Sussex County Courthouse
In 1835 a lottery was authorized to raise funds to replace the frame structure which had served as Courthouse since 1791. Construction of the new building began in 1837 following the sale and relocation of the original Courthouse to its present site on South Bedford Street. The Brick Hotel across the square was designated as […]
Pettijohn’s Old Field
The future home of Sussex County’s seat of government was a sparsely populated rural area when the 76 acres which would become the Town of Georgetown were purchased on May 9, 1791. Located “near the centre” of the country at a place known as “James Pettijohn’s Old Field,” the land was surveyed by Rhoads Shankland, […]
Return Day
This event draws thousands as winning and losing candidates join in celebration on the Thursday following each general election. Poor traveling conditions and interest in the outcome of political contests may have resulted in an extended stay when all elections were held here. Creation of voting districts in 1811 required the meeting of a Board […]
Milton
SC-82. Located at the head of the Broadkill River, Milton became an important point for the shipping of agricultural products during the 18th century. A thriving shipbuilding industry supported the growth of the community, with large numbers of vessels being produced by local shipyards. Once known as Osborne’s Landing and Head-of-the-Broadkill, the town was renamed […]
Bethel Shipyard
SC-79: Installed in 1989. With the incorporation of the Lewisville Marine Railway Company in 1871, Bethel’s reputation as a center for ship repair and construction was firmly established. Approximately 40 vessels were built here before the last ship was launched in 1918. Many were “sailing rams”, uniquely designed and among the largest type of […]
Ocean View Delaware (Birthplace of the Commercial Broiler Industry)
SC-78: In 1923, Cecile Long Steele started a flock of 500 chicks. At 16 weeks, they weighed 2¼ pounds and sold for 62 cents a pound. By 1989, growers produce birds of twice the weight in half the time. Sussex County leads the nation in broiler production, now a multibillion dollar industry. Installed in 1989. […]
Governor Ross Mansion
SC-77: This residence was constructed by William Henry Harrison Ross. He was born in Laurel in 1814 and died in 1887. He served as Governor of Delaware (D) between 1851-1855. In 1859, Ross constructed this elaborate brick Italian Villa style structure featuring a three-story center entry tower on his 1,395 acre farm. Currently owned by […]
Transpeninsular Line
SC-74: This stone monument, erected April 26, 1751, marks the eastern end of the Transpeninsular Line surveyed 1750-1751 by John Watson and William Parsons of Pennsylvania and John Emory and Thomas Jones of Maryland. This line established the east-west boundary between Pennsylvania’s “Three Lower Counties” (now Delaware) and the Colony of Maryland. It established also […]
George Alfred Townsend Birthplace
SC-72: Originally installed in 1982. George Alfred Townsend, famous Civil War newspaper correspondent, journalist, and author, was born on this block on January 30, 1841. Townsend’s novels and poetry reflect his deep love for his native region. His best-known historical novel, The Entailed Hat, recounts the legend of Patty Cannon, the notorious slave runner […]
Sudler House
SC-71: Originally installed in 2014. Erected about 1750, with additions during the Federal period. The land was granted to Cacilus Stevens in 1658. Francis Asbury preached here. William Jessop, an early occupant, was a pioneer Methodist missionary in Canada. From 1833 to 1971 the Sudler family owned the property. […]
