These Towns in Delaware Have a Rich Cultural Heritage
Delaware, the first US state, is a hidden gem diminutive in size but rich in historical and cultural diversity. From the bustling streets of Wilmington to the serene landscapes of Odessa, each town in Delaware narrates a unique story deeply ingrained in the nation's history. Let's delve into the cultural tapestry of these towns, exploring their colonial roots, architectural wonders, and events that define their rich heritage.
Dover: The Capital City
Witness the evolution of Dover from a colonial town to a thriving capital city with its historical museums and vibrant cultural festivals.
Visit First State Heritage Park to learn about Dover’s historic Green and the town's role in the ratification of the Declaration of Independence. The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village offers a fascinating look into the evolution of agriculture in the US. The Air Mobility Command Museum allows you to climb aboard World War II aircraft.
Join the festivities at the Dover Days Festival, celebrating history with reenactments, parades, tours, and more!
Wilmington: The Prosperous Port
Due to the main port and accessibility to nearby ports, Wilmington became the largest town in Delaware. Which then developed into the state’s main industrial and financial center. It officially became a city in 1832.
With the completion of the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore Railroad as well as the production of iron ships, gunpowder, and more during the Civil War, Wilmington’s economy flourished.
Visit the historic sites throughout Wilmington. The Fort Christina Monument marks the site of the oldest settlement in the region, and the Hagley Museum and Library houses the DuPont gunpowder mill complex and features exhibits dramatizing the city’s rich history.
Lewes: A Maritime Legacy
Lewes, the first town in the first state, is unique in that it is at the point where the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean meet. It is blessed with bay and ocean beaches and a fantastic harbor, thus becoming a seafaring town known for its large fleet of charter fishing boats.
Tour the quaint town of Lewes, which is lined with historic homes, churches, and graveyards rich in history. Visit the Ryves Holt House the oldest house in the state built in 1665, or the Zwaanendael Museum for a glimpse into the history and culture of the area.
Milford: The Ship Builder
As a site for shipbuilding, one of Milford’s shipyards, The Vineyard Shipyard (which still stands today), produced submarine chasers for both World Wars and many other ships, bringing prosperity to the town.
More recently, the town has flourished with a large agricultural community, and its historic downtown hosts theaters, galleries, boutiques, and more. The Milford Museum holds the town's rich history close with its exhibits. Celebrate Milford’s most important symbols – the Mispillion River and the state bug, the Ladybug – with their annual festivals, such as the Riverwalk Freedom Festival and the Bug and Bud Festival.
Odessa: The Quaint Charmer
Odessa’s location along the river made it an attractive trade route and this is what brought many early settlers. It was a busy grain shipping port where agricultural and industrial products were transported until 1917. The town’s pristine colonial landscape preserves its rich history. Stroll along the quaint streets, admiring the historic buildings and gardens while visiting museums, shops, and restaurants – such as the charming Cantwell’s Tavern Restaurant, which has been in operation since 1822.
Odessa is also home to the famous Corbit-Sharp House—the home of Daniel and Mary Corbit, who cleverly hid and helped escaped slaves.
New Castle: A Colonial Community
New Castle is one of America's oldest cities and a National Landmark Historic area. It is shaped by water, making its ideal transfer points up and down the coast attractive to early settlers – resulting in a thriving community. This also attracted many government officials, judges, and lawyers to build architecturally stunning homes in the area, which still stand today.
New Castle is the northern gateway to the Delaware Bayshore Byway. Walk along the cobblestone streets of this riverfront community and visit the many museums filled with the town's cultural past.
Rehoboth Beach: The Getaway of Choice
Ocean breezes and seafood brought the earliest beach-goers and leisure activities to the area. 1873 also brought the formation of the Rehoboth Camp Meeting Association bringing spiritual ties to the area.
With the building of the boardwalk, the railroad, and later a paved highway, Rehoboth Beach became a booming vacation spot. It continues to evolve throughout the years and embraces its friendly seaside charm with nods to the city’s past.
The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society & Museum features exhibits of artifacts and pictorial tours that tell the story of the development of the community.
Fenwick Island: A Historical Beach Town
While Fenwick Island’s landscape has changed a bit over the decades, there once were several inlets connecting the bay to the Atlantic Ocean. These waters were traveled by ships and sailors and pirates, too! It is said that pirates hid their treasures in small nearby islands.
This area once also experienced many shipwrecks, which brought the 1859 Fenwick Island lighthouse. Visit the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum to see artifacts recovered from the area.
As time passed, Fenwick Island increasingly became a prime destination for vacationers due to its beautiful beaches.
Smyrna: A Fast-Growing Small Town
Originally a thriving community of merchant vessels, Smyrna was home to prominent businesses in shipbuilding and shipping grain, lumber, peaches, and fertilizer.
While once a community was known as Duck Creek or Salisbury, Smyrna didn’t have exact boundaries, and how its final name was chosen is unknown. It still maintains its small-town atmosphere, making it desirable for families.
Visit the historic downtown to see the 1700s Plank House or The Old Town Hall, built in 1879, featuring the Town Office, Library, Police Station, Fire Department, and Opera House. The Opera House is now both a theater and an art gallery.
Exploring Delaware's Rich Cultural Tapestry
Delaware's small towns are a mosaic of history and culture, from Dover's historic milestones to Rehoboth Beach's seaside charm. These communities invite a deeper appreciation of America's first state, offering insights into its past and present. As you wander through each town, the diverse heritage of Delaware unfolds, revealing the unique character that defines this remarkable state.
