These Historic Towns in Delaware Are Worth Exploring
Take a step back in time and relive history in the birthplace of America—Delaware. It may be the second-smallest and least-populated state, but this certainly does not lessen its historic punch. After all, Delaware became the first state after ratifying the United States Constitution here in 1787. So, it is no surprise that events leading up to this significant historic event resonate in towns throughout the state. Travelers can be transported to the past, enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities, and partake in some tax-free shopping on a trip to Delaware. For a history-laden trip, be sure to include the following towns on your itinerary!
Dover
Established by William Penn in 1683 and nestled in the middle of Delaware lies Dover, the state's capital. This small city, however, holds an even more special distinction—America’s birthplace.
The Green at Delaware’s First State Heritage Park, a half-acre square surrounded by historic buildings and landmarks and laid out in 1717 according to Penn’s specifications, is where one's historic journey through Dover should begin. In 1787, a group of delegates met in this area at the Golden Fleece Tavern, ratifying the U.S. Constitution and making Delaware the first state. Although only a freestanding wall of this historic tavern remains, visitors can grab a pint or a bite to eat at a replica just a few blocks away. Explore the Old State House, which served as Delaware’s capital during the United States' early years, the John Bell House, the oldest wood structure in Dover, as well as exhibits at the Biggs Museum of American Art. Participate in a free guided walking tour with an interpreter clothed in a Revolutionary War costume, or try your hand at a craft workshop.
With so much to see and do, spending at least a half day taking it all in is recommended. If aviation is your passion, explore the Air Force's history at Dover’s Air Mobility Museum, which showcases more than 30 aircraft. Take a break with a cold brew at the Rail Haus Beer Garden. At day’s end, grab a bite to eat and try your luck at Bally’s Dover Casino and Resort.
Lewes
This next stop is another historic Delaware town known for being the first. In June 1631, Lewes became the site of the first European settlement in the United States, earning the title of the first town in the first state.
Stroll along Lewes Historical Main Campus and discover two of its most popular stops, the Cannonball House and the Zwaanendael Museum. The Cannonball House was one of four houses that remained standing after the Battle of Springfield in 1813. Visitors can view the cannonball that remains lodged in the wall as well as a letter written by George Washington before his victory here. The Zwaanendael Museum showcases Delaware’s first European settlement, Swanendael, which was established by the Dutch in 1631.
For a taste of WWII history, head over to Cape Henlopen and visit the Fort Miles Historic Area. Visitors can tour one of the East Coast’s most important defensive fortifications during WWII. Climb the concrete tower to take in the beautiful surrounding seascape.
Lewes's picturesque Second Street in its downtown area offers a myriad of boutiques and dining establishments. Visit Ryves Holt House, Delaware’s oldest standing house, built, in 1665, which now houses the town's Visitor Center and Museum Gift Shop. Get your fill of fresh seafood at Striper Bites, and top it off with a sweet treat at Kings Ice Cream.
Delaware City
Delaware City, a small port town of fewer than 2,000 residents, has earned its reputation as the gateway to historical and natural treasures. As the central location of the harbor defense system, Delaware City kept Philadelphia and Wilmington safe during the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. Take a short ferry ride over to Pea Patch Island to explore Fort Delaware, which once housed captured Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Make sure to time your visit when the 8-inch Columbiad gun fires a live gunpowder charge.
Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy the over 200 structures along Clinton Street spanning the 19th and 20th centuries, including Delaware City’s historic Town Hall. Originally constructed in 1883 as Delaware City School, it holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Dragon Run offers visitors a blend of nature while also being a testament to the region’s rich Native American heritage, with historical traces dating back over 3,000 years. Take a bike or hiking trails. Make sure to stop by the Nature Center.
Called the most haunted place in Delaware, book a ghost tour and visit some of Delaware City's hot spots of paranormal activity, including Pachette’s playhouse, Fort Dupont, and Delaware's most haunted restaurant, Crabby Dick's, located in the Delaware City Hotel. Perhaps a meal at the latter is the perfect end to a busy day!
Georgetown
Keeping tradition alive is at the very core of Georgetown, and celebrating our political elections is steeped in its history. Following in the tradition set back in colonial times, residents host Return Day, honoring the winners of the election with a parade and festival. Symbolically held two days after Election Day, it pays homage to how news of the winners arrived back then - via horseback. Residents converge around Georgetown's Circle to celebrate. The Circle is unique among most other towns in Delaware that use a traditional city grid system.
Explore historic buildings such as Georgetown Town Hall and the Sussex County Courthouse. Visit the Marvel Carriage Museum, home to a fine collection of antique carriages. Many restored and original historic buildings are on the museum grounds, including two barns and the Ellis School, a one-room schoolhouse built in 1833. Cap off the day by grabbing a bite to eat at one of its restaurants, showcasing Georgetown's diverse population.
Seaford
Neighboring Georgetown and along the Nanticoke River lies the beautiful city of Seaford. Learn about the town's historical past at the Seaford Museum, a converted post office. Explore the Nanticoke Indian Museum in nearby Millsboro, the only Native American museum in Delaware. View native artwork, artifacts dating back to 8000 B.C., tools, pottery, traditional clothing, and more.
Another historical attraction is the Governor Ross Plantation, which is scheduled to reopen after renovation in spring 2024. Home to Governor William Henry Harrison Ross from 1851 to 1855, who was famous for bringing the railroad into Southern Delaware, visitors can explore several Civil War-era buildings, including Delaware's only documented surviving slave quarters. Finish off the day by taking the time to rRelax and unwind with a visit to the Gateway and River Walk, a beautiful 400-foot landscaped park.
Smyrna
Originally called Duck Creek Cross Roads, Smyrna was once the most important port between Wilmington and Lewes and has a colorful historical past spanning more than 200 years.
Travelers may start their day at the Smyrna Museum, sometimes called the Barracks. Local legend has it that it housed soldiers during the War of 1812. During the Civil War, the building hosted Delaware’s Civil War lottery. Today, visitors can engage and witness its many historic artifacts, paintings and exhibits showcasing local history. Best of all, it is free!
Natural lovers will enjoy Blackbird State Forest for its hiking and birdwatching and Lake Como for its beach, fishing, and boating activities. Stroll along and admire Georgian architecture in its historic downtown area, which is lined with over 500 historic buildings. Enjoy a cocktail at Painted Stave Distilling, Delaware’s first small-batch distillery. End your day with a performance at the Smyrna Opera House.
Odessa
One of Delaware’s oldest and perhaps most underrated small towns is Odessa. With a population of less than 400, this quaint town should land on any history and architecture enthusiast's list.
Visit the Historic Odessa Foundation to learn about the town's 300-year-old past. Explore the five beautiful historic houses they proudly care for, including the Wilson-Warner House, the Collins-Sharp House, one of Delaware's oldest residences, the Appoquinimink Friends Meeting House, and the Corbitt-Sharp House. The latter is famous for its upstairs room, where its residents hid a runaway slave.
Stroll along tree-lined streets and admire examples of its perfectly preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture. Grab a bite to eat at Cantwell's Tavern, which is the town's first hotel dating back to the 1800s.
The town hosts multiple events each year, including the Historic Odessa Brewfest and the "Christmas in Odessa" festival, the latter in which the town's historic houses and buildings twinkle and shine with Christmas decorations.
Wilmington
As Delaware’s largest city, Wilmington offers an array of activities to satisfy every passion. Offering some of the country’s best state parks, make your first stop at Brandywine Park for a perfect blend of history and nature. Take in views from the Sugar Bowl Pavilion, erected on the land occupied by George Washington’s army during the Battle of the Brandywine. Then head to Rockford Park, which is home to a 100-year-old, historic stone water tower. History buffs will enjoy learning about Wilmington's history at Hagley Museum and Library.
Nature lovers will not want to miss the DuPont Environmental Education Center, which features over 10 acres of gardens and over five miles of nature trails. For a place to reflect and enjoy some quiet time, stroll the Gibraltar Mansion and Marian Coffin Gardens grounds. Although the mansion is in disrepair, its gardens, created by Marian Cruger Coffin, one of the first female professional landscape architects in the United States, have been meticulously maintained.
No visit would be complete without experiencing its extensive waterfront. Enjoy the historic Christina River by taking a boat tour or stroll along the riverfront by land or sea. Various restaurants, an IMAX theater, and even the Frawley Stadium, home of the Wilmington Blue Rocks minor league baseball team, are available for tourists' enjoyment. Attending a performance at The Grand Opera is the perfect way to finish the day.
Delaware proves that good things certainly come in small packages. Although a small state, its historic towns are chock full of a rich historical past, stunning natural beauty, and many attractions and excursions at travelers' disposal. Delaware’s state slogan sums up its history best. “It’s good being first." So make sure to put the infamous and storied Delaware first on your travel list.
