Millsboro Is A Tiny Town In Delaware With A Bizarre Weather History
By Kim Magaraci|Published September 02, 2021
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Delaware’s past is packed with odd bits of history. A lot of the strangest tales in our state’s story get overlooked, and the big show-stopping bits of history, like what transpired at the Indian River Inlet Bridge, get all the attention from those searching for Delaware trivia. Well, we like to talk about those things that fly under the radar – so let’s dive into a strange fact about Millsboro that’s an unintentional secret in the First State.
Millsboro, Delaware, a tiny town close to the border of Maryland that was originally incorporated in 1893. It began as a lumber mill town - hence the name - and drew a diverse population of indigenous Nanticoke people along with those who settled in Delaware from other regions.
The history in Millsboro is still very well preserved, with more than a dozen buildings and sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, the town is known for having one of the best restaurants in the state, the Blue Water Grill, along with other good places to dine and places to shop.
One of the biggest attractions in Millsboro is Cupola Park, which sits on Millsboro Pond! At this park, you can enjoy a day by the water, a peaceful stroll, or even cast a line. The Millsboro Pond empties into the Indian River Bay.
Not many people realize that Millsboro is home to more than just a few restaurants and a lively park. There's some pretty interesting history here! In fact, it's one of only three towns in the country to record an unusual weather phenomenon.
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During the brutally cold winter of 1893, the temperature in Millsboro plummeted to -17 °F. That temperature, recorded on January 17, is the coldest temperature ever recorded in Delaware.
More than three decades later, during an unusually hot summer, Millsboro's thermometers were again shattering records. On July 21, 1930, the mercury in Millsboro rose to 110 °F! To date, that's the highest temperature ever recorded in Delaware.
That means that Millsboro is part of a very exclusive list - there are only two other cities in the country that hold their states record for hottest and coldest temperatures. Warsaw, Missouri and Chester, Massachusetts are the others. Who would have thought that this tiny town would earn its spot in history books!
Next time you visit the Blue Water Grill, take a walk down to Cupola Park and imagine the pond frozen over, or as a refreshing place to wade on a steaming summer day.
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