The first settlers began arriving in the Wilmington region in the early 1800s. Less than a decade later, in 1810, Wilmington was chosen as the county seat for the newly formed Clinton County. Although the area has long been known for its agricultural productivity, Wilmington's rich and diverse history includes a territorial governor and Civil War general, a world-renowned sculptor, a musician who performed for years on the Delta Queen, and a Major League Baseball club owner. Wilmington has also been home to several Underground Railroad stops, a Quaker college, an experimental World War II glider base, and a cold war missile site. Twice named one of the Best Small Towns in America, Wilmington continues to delight visitors with its stately historic buildings and its small-town charm.