National Register Listings in
Sussex County, Delaware

Abbott's Mill Abbott's Mill (Boundary Increase) Adams Home Farm Adams, Joseph T., House All Saints' Episcopal Church Allen, Richard, School Ball Theatre Bethel Historic District Blackwater Presbyterian Church Brick Hotel Bridgeville Historic District Bridgeville Public Library Building at 200-202A High Street Building at 218 High Street Building at High and Cannon Streets Burton Hardware Store Burton-Blackstone-Carey Store Cannon's Ferry Carey's Camp Meeting Ground Carlisle House Chandler, Capt. Ebe, House Chipman Potato House Chipman's Mill Coleman House Collins Potato House Cool Spring Presbyterian Church Cox, J. W., Dry Goods Store Davis, Robert, Farmhouse Dawson, Dr., House Delaware Breakwater and Lewes Harbor Dickerson Potato House Dinker-Irvin Cottage Dodd Homestead Draper House Draper-Adkins House Egglinton Hall Ellendale State Forest Picnic Facility Eratt House Evans-West House Faucett, Peter S., House Fenwick Island Lighthouse Station First Broiler House First National Bank of Seaford Fisher Homestead Fisher's Paradise Fort Miles Historic District Georgetown Coal Gasification Plant Godwin School Grier House Gyles, Stella Pepper, House Hall, Col. David, House Harmon School Harmon, Isaac, Farmhouse Harmony Church Hazzard House Hearn and Rawlins Mill Hearn Potato House Hebron Methodist Protestant Church and Cemetery Highball Signal Hitch, E. L., Potato House Hitchens, Ames, Chicken Farm Hopkins' Covered Bridge Farm Indian Mission Church Indian Mission School Indian River Life Saving Service Station Johnson School Judge's House and Law Office Laurel Historic District Lawrence Lewes Historic District Lewes Historic District (Boundary Increase) Lewes Presbyterian Church Lightship WLV 539 Marsh, Peter, House Maston House Maull House Maull, Thomas, House (Boundary Increase) McColley's Chapel Melson House Messick, Dr. John W., House and Office Milford Railroad Station Milford Shipyard Area Historic District Milton Historic District Mispillion Lighthouse and Beacon Tower Moore Potato House National Harbor of Refuge and Delaware Breakwater Harbor Historic District Norwood House Old Bridgeville Fire House Old Christ Church Old Sussex County Courthouse Pagan Creek Dike Pepper, Carlton, David, Farm Perry-Shockley House Phillips Potato House Ponder, Gov. James, House Portsville Lighthouse Prince George's Chapel Ralph Potato House Redden Forest Lodge, Forester's House, and Stable Ricards House-Linden Hall Richards Historic District Richards Mansion Rider Potato House Robbins, David, Homestead Robinson, Jesse, House Ross Point School Ross, Edgar and Rachel, House Ross, Gov. William H., House Russell, William, House Scott's Store Seaford Station Complex Short Homestead Sipple, Thomas, House South Milford Historic District Spring Banke Spring Garden St. George's Chapel St. John's Methodist Church St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church St. Paul's Episcopal Church Stanley Potato House Sudler House Sussex County Courthouse and the Circle
The District of Delaware has had a number of famous judges throughout its history, including William Julius Haynes, who was the first African American to serve as a federal judge in the state of Delaware.
Delaware random facts
Sussex County, Delaware, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Nanticoke and Lenape, who relied on the region's natural resources for survival. The arrival of European settlers in the 17th century marked a significant turning point in the county's history.

In 1631, the first European settlement was established by Dutch traders near present-day Lewes. However, conflicts with the Native Americans and British takeover led to the abandonment of the settlement. In the late 17th century, English settlers and Quakers started resettling the area, and Sussex County was officially established in 1683.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Sussex County played a vital role in agriculture, especially as a major producer of wheat and corn. The county's economy thrived with the growth of small towns, such as Georgetown and Seaford. During the American Revolution, Sussex County saw its share of battles, including the Battle of Cooch's Bridge in 1777.

In the 20th century, Sussex County experienced significant changes due to the growth of industry and tourism. The construction of major highways, such as Route 1 and the creation of beach resorts like Rehoboth Beach, transformed the county into a popular destination for vacationers. Agriculture remained an essential part of Sussex County's economy, with a shift towards poultry farming.

Today, Sussex County continues to evolve and grow, balancing its agricultural roots with the demands of a modern economy. The preservation of historical sites and the appreciation for its diverse heritage serve as a reminder of the county's vibrant past and a source of pride for its residents.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Sussex County, Delaware.

  • 1642 - The area that is now Sussex County was first settled by the Dutch and Swedish colonists.
  • 1670 - English settlers arrived and established their presence in the region.
  • 1682 - Sussex County became part of the newly formed Pennsylvania colony.
  • 1704 - Sussex County officially became part of the newly established Delaware colony.
  • 1755 - The county seat was moved from Lewes to Georgetown.
  • 1775 - The American Revolution began, and Sussex County played a significant role in the fight for independence.
  • 1805 - Construction of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal began, enhancing trade and transportation in the region.
  • 1822 - The Nanticoke Indian Reservation, located in Sussex County, was officially established.
  • 1855 - The Delaware Railroad reached Sussex County, further improving transportation and trade.
  • 1871 - The Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach was built, marking the beginning of the area's popularity as a beach resort.
  • 1929 - The Great Depression impacted Sussex County, causing economic hardship for many residents.
  • 1950s - The poultry industry became a dominant economic sector in Sussex County.
  • 1991 - The Indian River Inlet Bridge opened, providing improved access to the coastal areas of Sussex County.