8 Hidden Historical Towns In Delaware

Nicknamed "The First State," Delaware boasts many firsts! It was among the first original 13 colonies and the first state to ratify the United States Constitution. This is all part of its rich historical heritage, which dates from Native American inhabitants through the European Colonization to the American Civil War. Naturally, Delaware is a top destination for American historians, offering a unique perspective of the state and country in the formative years.

Luckily, there is no shortage of hidden historical towns in Delaware, from the coastal enclave of Lewes to the riverfront community of Seaford. With their antique architectural wonders, unique museums, and a barrage of historical markers and monuments, tourists can look forward to an exciting journey through time.

Georgetown

This small town in Sussex County traces its origins to the late 1700s when it was founded. Its storied heritage manifests through a fair share of museums and markers throughout the town, starting with the Marvel Carriage Museum. This living history facility features a whimsical display of vintage wagons, model trails, carriages, telephones, antiques, and musical instruments as a window to the 1800s. The Old Sussex County Courthouse is one of the oldest buildings in town. It was built in 1793 and sports a unique Georgian-style architecture, inviting guests to explore Georgetown's judicial heritage.

History meets aviation at the Delaware Aviation Museum. This remarkable location lures aircraft enthusiasts with a cool collection of antique crafts that preserve military history. Highlights to check out include the B-25 Panchito.

Delaware City

This sleepy port town on the terminus of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal is steeped in military heritage. It is home to Fort DuPont State Park, which was part of the Harbor Defences of Delaware. Alongside two other fortresses, the structure was constructed to defend the Delaware River in the early 20th century. The park covers a 300-acre area and houses historic trails, barracks, buildings, and other period relics.

Delaware City further hosts a couple of Victorian-era landmarks worth checking out. The rustic St. Paul Catholic Church is a good example, a mainstay in the town since the mid-19th century. The Canal House is another notable site, built in the 1830s along the Delaware River banks. Besides reminding guests of the old times, the building provides a retro accommodation experience in a relaxing riverfront setting.

Seaford

Dubbed the "Nylon Capital of the World," Seaford became home to the world's first nylon plant in 1939, but its heritage dates way back. According to the Seaford Museum, Europeans settled in the area in the 17th century before it was incorporated in 1865. Various exhibits inside the museum help chronicle its history through the years, starting with Native American inhabitants. The Governor Ross Mansion represents one of the enduring structures in Seaford. It was constructed in 1859 and sports beautiful Italianate architecture, providing a glimpse into the governor's life at the time.

Also, remember to stop by the Hearn and Rawlins Mill for a feel of Seaford's industrial heritage. The vintage grist mill was established in 1880, replacing an initial mill on the same site from the 1820s.

Lewes

Lewes is one of the most historical towns in Delaware, with a legacy dating back to its establishment in 1631. It was the first European settlement in Delaware, welcoming a group of Dutch immigrants whose influences persist. These infant years of the town and state are vividly captured at the Zwaanendael Museum, which sheds light on the first colony in the region by the Dutch. Inside, a stockpile of exhibits chronicle Lewes' maritime, social, and military history. You can discover more of the area's past on a broader level at the Lewes Historical Society. The site has nine historic buildings with diverse archives depicting life in the beginning from a cultural and social perspective.

The community's seaside location has allowed it to amass a storied maritime heritage, which awaits discovery at the Lewes Maritime Museum. The museum, housed inside a 1765 building, showcases a lovely selection of maritime art and memorabilia.

New Castle

New Castle has existed for over 380 years and is a rich tapestry of state history, jam-packed with historical markers and landmarks at every turn. There is limitless history to uncover in the town, but you can start at the New Castle Court House Museum. Constructed in 1732, the structure was the state's first court. It boasts a colorful artifact collection, including relics from the Underground Railroad. Meanwhile, the Read House and Gardens stands out for its red-brick, Federal-style construction from the late 18th century. The 14,000-square-foot home was the largest in the state at its construction and is surrounded by 2.5 acres of manicured gardens.

Lastly, before wrapping up your visit, check out the First State National Historical Park. Designated a National Monument in 2013, it highlights seven sites spread across the state that tell the story of the first settlement to be ratified into the US Constitution.

Milford

Milford was initially settled in 1680 and is known for its enduring historic district, which has been revamped to include vibrant art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. Nevertheless, the old structures are the main attraction in the North Milford Historic District. The Parson Thorne Mansion is a key feature in the neighborhood, unique for its Georgian style. It dates back to the 1730s and sits across from Mill House, another late 18th-century landmark owned by Governor Peter F. Causey.

While there is much to see in the historic district, the Milford Museum is an excellent stop for those lacking time to browse the whole area. The venue summarizes Milford's history with assorted exhibits related to shipbuilding, politics, and other aspects of the town's past.

Fenwick Island

This historic beach town in Sussex County hasn't changed much since it was established, maintaining several of its original landmarks. Visitors get a hint of its maritime heritage from the Fenwick Island Lighthouse. The conspicuously white structure was erected in the 1850s and boasts the title of Delaware's oldest lighthouse.

A short distance directly in front of the lighthouse sits a series of stone monuments marking the Transpeninsular Line. These were placed by surveyors in the mid-1700s to mark the line separating the states of Delaware and Maryland. In addition to the history, you can revel in the beach scenery with a lazy stroll along the smooth sands of Fenwick Island State Park and take in the majestic water views.

Odessa

Odessa was initially established as Cantwell's Bridge in the 17th century, but its name would later be changed to that of the Ukrainian port city. Today, it houses a well-preserved historic district with a cluster of over 80 contributing buildings offering a photographic portrayal of the old times. Corbit-Sharp House is the oldest structure in the Odessa Historic District, built in the 1770s and showcasing the best example of brick Georgian houses in the region. Also, you can't miss the Cyrus Polk House, which blends Greek Revival and Italianate architectural styles. It was built in the mid-Victorian era and belonged to a successful wheat merchant.

If you don't have enough time to walk through the entire historic district, you can get a summary of Odessa's history at the Historic Odessa Foundation. The venue has valuable information about notable homes and structures in the old district.

The First State is awash with vintage gems scattered across its borders in the United States. These hidden historical towns in Delaware are just a fraction of the numerous places preserving its colorful and enduring heritage. Visiting them exposes a raw and intimate side of the state that few know about, allowing tourists to appreciate the journey through the years. Whether discovering the first European settlement in Lewes or learning about the first state court in New Castle, expect an eye-opening trip back in time.