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Sussex is Delaware’s largest County spanning 979 square miles. Founded as the Dutch settlement Lewes in 1631, it is also the oldest county in the State.
Sussex County www.sussexcountyde.gov Sussex County is Delaware’s largest county with 938 miles. In 1631, the town of Lewes began
as a whaling colony, therefore claiming the phrase, “First Town in the First State”. Delaware’s agricultural community is based in Western Sussex County with the greatest expanse of fertile land in the state. With small and sweet beach towns, the eastern coast is a desirable for people in all walks of life.
Bethany Beach
www.townofbethanybeach.com
Early settlers of the Christian Church, also known as the Disciples of Christ, founded the area with the intent to secure a seaside congregation area for all Christian churches of the country. Now
a full-functioning seaside town, residents, and visitors alike enjoy the quaint little town.
Dagsboro
dagsboro.delaware.gov
Named after General John Dagworthy of the Revolutionary War, Dagsboro is known for its small town charm. Principle town points include The Clayton Theatre, antique shops, and Katie Helm Park.
Dewey Beach
www.townofdeweybeach.com
Dewey Beach, named after Admiral George Dewey of the Battle of Manilla, is a small town one mile long and two blocks wide. It is a popular summer weekend vacation spot, with around 30,000 people visiting during summer months.
Ellendale
ellendale.delaware.gov
Ellendale was originally incorporated in the early 19th century. 1873 brought a parsonage, church, and school to the town, organized
by the Ellendale Methodist Episcopal Church. Growth accelerated as industry expanded with companies, such as the RJ Clendaniel Sawmill, brick yard, basket factory, button factory, the Phillip J Ritter Ketchup Company, and the Jester and Reed Canning Company along with other canning businesses.
9 Fenwick Island fenwickisland.delaware.gov
Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Little Assawoman Bay, the town Fenwick Island
was established in 1953. Beautiful public parks dot the area of this seaside town. This crown jewel beach stretches one mile long with a patrol and police department to guard it.
Frankford
frankford.delaware.gov
Founded in 1808, Frankford wasn’t officially named until 1848 upon acquiring a post office. With the arrival of the Pennsylvania Railroad Station came a hotel, commercial businesses, and an opera house. Frankford became a thriving commercial and cultural center. The town was incorporated in 1937.
Georgetown www.georgetowndel.com The name of Georgetown comes from an early Commissioner George Mitchell, who was a central contributor for moving Sussex County’s Seat to a more central location.
Henlopen Acres
henlopenacres.delaware.gov
Henlopen Acres is the third smallest town in Delaware. The town’s history began in the 1930s when developer W.S. Corkran planned a “residential development where quiet-loving, cultured people may live in a country-seaside community amid conditions, which make for health, comfort, and refined pleasure.”
Lewes (pronounced ‘LOO-is’)
www.lewes.com
The First Town in the First State! Lewes was settled by the Dutch, founded in 1631, and incorporated in 1883. It’s located on the Delaware Bay and is Sussex County’s northernmost coastal town. Known for both bay and ocean beaches, which provide fishing marinas, swimming,
and water sports of all kinds. It also has a rich assortment of historic buildings and homes, many of which have been lovingly restored.
Millsboro www.millsborochamber.com Following the Civil War, the railroad was built through Millsboro due to the town’s close river proximity. This strengthened surrounding towns, which then brought increased industry to Millsboro. Established in 1792, this thriving town has held many names and areas including “Millsborough”, “Rock Hole Mills”, and “Washington”.
Bethany Beach Boardwalk
Lewes 1941
AREA HISTORY