Editing Tinicum Island (section)

== Location and Geography ==

Tinicum takes its name from a Lenape word, typically translated as "islands" or "at the islands," describing the cluster of islands and marshy lowlands along the Delaware River in this area. The island selected by Governor Printz for his capital was one of several in the group, chosen for its strategic position overlooking the river and its defensibility against both European rivals and potential indigenous hostility. The site offered access to deep water channels that could accommodate ocean-going vessels, making it suitable as a port for ships arriving from Sweden. The surrounding wetlands, while challenging for agriculture, provided natural protection and abundant wildlife resources.<ref name="ward">{{cite book |last=Ward |first=Christopher |title=The Dutch and Swedes on the Delaware 1609-64 |year=1930 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press |location=Philadelphia}}</ref>

The geography of the Tinicum area has changed significantly since the Swedish colonial period. Land reclamation, filling of wetlands, and the construction of Philadelphia International Airport have transformed the landscape beyond recognition. The island that served as New Sweden's capital was located in what is now Essington, Pennsylvania, in Delaware County. Governor Printz Park, a small municipal park, marks the approximate location of Printzhof and serves as the primary commemoration of the Swedish colonial capital. The park contains historical markers and monuments but no surviving structures from the colonial period.<ref name="printzpark">{{cite web |url=https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/GovernorPrintzPark/Pages/default.aspx |title=Governor Printz Park |publisher=Pennsylvania DCNR |access-date=December 29, 2025}}</ref>