In the words of our state slogan, “it’s good being first.” As the first state, Delaware is is overflowing with a rich history in all three of its counties. Whether you’re a history buff looking to learn more about our state’s role in the Civil War, or someone who appreciates the character that accompanies older communities, you’ll love visiting these nine historic towns in Delaware as soon as you get the chance:

1. Delaware City
Delaware City sign
J. Stephen Conn / flickr
Delaware City, DE
Delaware City, DE, USA
Bernt Rostad / flickr
Stroll along Clinton Street to experience the history of this small port town, or hitch a ride to Pea Patch Island, home to Fort Delaware. Fort Delaware served as a prisoner-of-war camp for captured Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Some even believe Delaware City is the most haunted place in Delaware.
2. Dover
Dover, DE
Jeffrey / flickr
Wesley College
Dover, DE, USA
Mike Mahaffie / flickr
Dover, Delware was founded in 1683 by William Penn. The capital of the state was moved here in 1777 because it was more centrally located and considered a safer location, away from British raiders on the Delaware Bay. Today many historic structures remain in the state's second-largest city, including the State House and Wesley College buildings, which date back to 1873.
3. Georgetown
Georgetown, DE town center
Mike Mahaffie / flickr
historic court house
Georgetown, DE 19947, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr
Every two years, Georgetown hosts Return Day, a parade and festival two days after Election Day. Its history dates back to colonial days, when the residents would travel to Georgetown two days after the election to hear its results (that's how long it took to deliver the news via horseback). The winners of the election would parade in carriages around the town Circle.
4. Laurel
Old Christ Church Laurel Delaware
Lee Cannon / flickr
Old Christ Church Laurel Delaware
Laurel, DE 19956, USA
Lee Cannon / flickr
Laurel was incorporated as a town in 1883 but its history dates back to the 1600s. Step into Old Christ Church, built in 1771, and you'll feel as if you've been transported back to the 18th century.

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5. Lewes
Lewes, Delaware lighthouse
Mike Mahaffie / flickr
Downtown Lewes Delaware
Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Mark Goebel / flickr
The first town in the first state lives up to all historic expectations. The town was the site of the first European settlement in the United States. It dates back to June 1631.
6. Magnolia
Magnolia Delaware Sign
Magnolia, DE 19962, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr
This adorable town, claiming both Swedish and Dutch heritage, was founded in 1885. A sign outside the John B. Lindale House states: "This is Magnolia, the center of the universe around which the earth revolves." The home is one of two town locations on the National Registry of Historic Places.
7. Milton
Milton Historical Society
Milton Historical Society / Facebook
Downtown Milton Delaware
Milton, DE, USA
Milton Historical Society / Facebook
Milton's deep history starts when it was settled by the Lenni Lenape and Nanticoke tribes. The town's industry centered around shipping on the Broadkill and later by railroading on the Queen Anne's Railway. Today its historic Town Center shows remnants of a simpler time.
8. Odessa
Odessa, DE
Historic Odessa Foundation / Facebook
Odessa, DE historic building
Odessa, DE, USA
Historic Odessa Foundation / Facebook
Odessa's small historic downtown area will transport you to the past when you visit for Christmas in Odessa, when restored 18th and 19th century homes are opened to the public for tours.
9. New Castle
Downtown Old New Castle Delaware
Ryan Keene / flickr
Jessop's Tavern interior
New Castle, DE 19720, USA
Jessop's Tavern / Facebook
Briefly the capital of Delaware, New Castle's historic district along the Delaware River still has cobblestone streets and a historic court house that will take your breath away. While the neighborhood looks like something out of a movie, it is a fully functioning residential community. It's worth spending an afternoon wandering the streets and then ending the day with a pint at Jessop's Tavern.

You won’t need a time machine to feel like you’ve been transported to the past. What are your favorite historic towns in Delaware? Tell us about them in the comments!

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More to Explore

Historic Towns in Delaware

Tori Jane | June 14, 2022

Which historic town in Delaware is the oldest?  

The oldest town in Delaware is Lewes, which was established originally as a colony. Delaware being the first to ratify the Constitution made Lewes the “first town in the first state”, and this combined with its rich and fascinating historic significance makes it a great place to visit, live, and learn about history. It was colonized as far back as the 1630s, though it went through many changes of hand before it became the Delaware we all know and love.  

What are some beautiful historic Delaware towns?  

Okay, so, all of Delaware is historic, so all our adorable small towns qualify, right? We think so. There are many beautiful old historic Delaware towns everyone should visit at least once, like Rehoboth Beach, a gorgeous coastal paradise with delightful shops, eateries, galleries, and more. We also love Hockessin, as it’s an excellent place for nature lovers and features picturesque, covered bridges, gorgeous greenery, adorable historic homes, a delightful main street, and more. Of course, there’s also Lewes, which we mentioned above, and we also love Bethany Beach, which is beautiful and quite close to Fenwick Island State Park.  

What are some interesting facts about Delaware history?  

Delaware might be tiny, but it’s huge on fascinating history! Some intriguing moments in Delaware's history include its being the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, but it doesn’t stop there! In 1865, Delaware ended slavery. It was a noted stop on the Underground Railroad, and it’s known as the “Diamond State” because Thomas Jefferson thought its placement was perfect exactly where it is. We’re inclined to agree, since we have some of the best weather on the east coast! Delaware is also an excellent state for agriculture and farming thanks to that mild, pleasant weather, and you’lll find some of the best local produce and dairy on the east coast here. 

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