Town of Wyoming

KC-63:

Reinstallation Text 2024:

Late 1800s’ construction of the Delmarva Peninsula’s first north-south railway led to creation of a Camden train station in 1856. Its location sparked growth of “West Camden.” The Reverend John J. Pierce of Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania, arriving in 1865, bought land and sold lots. New residents who felt separate from Camden and wanted to honor Pierce called the community Wyoming. Their post office opened in 1866 and the Town of Wyoming was incorporated in 1869. Surrounded by some of the state’s finest farms and richest soil, Wyoming became a major center for shipping peaches and other produce.

Original Text 2000:

The construction of the Delaware Railroad in the 1850s led to the establishment of the Delmarva Peninsula’s first and most important north-south railway transportation artery. Proximity to the nearby community of Camden resulted in the location of a station here when the railroad arrived in 1856. Settlement of “West Camden” quickly expanded with the construction of homes and businesses. In 1865 the Rev. John J. Pierce migrated here from the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania. Rev. Pierce purchased lands and subdivided them into building lots. Other residents of Wyoming Valley followed Rev. Pierce and settled in and around the thriving village. Desiring to sever any shared identity or connection with Camden, residents chose to honor the new citizens by changing the name of the community to Wyoming. A Post Office was established in 1866, and in 1869 the Town of Wyoming was incorporated by the Delaware General Assembly. Surrounded by some of the state’s most-productive farmlands, the Town of Wyoming was a major point for the shipping of peaches and other agricultural products.

Installed in 2000. Reinstalled in 2024.

Sponsors:

The Honorable Gerald “Jerry” A. Buckworth, Delaware House of Representatives, 2000.

State of Delaware Historic Markers Program, 2024.

Marker Photo Gallery:

Resources Related to Camden: