10 Abandoned Places in Delaware That Nature is Reclaiming
As the oldest state in the nation, having ratified the Constitution in 1787, Delaware’s history goes back…way back. The state has seen its share of buildings come and go, from traditional colonial establishments, to agricultural buildings, to industrial sites. We found images of these 10 abandoned places in nature in Delaware that have been turned over to the Earth itself.
We know that some of these places are up for demolition soon, so we figured we should share the photos with you before the places themselves are gone forever. So here, in no particular order, are 10 photos of places in Delaware that are abandoned but not forgotten by the photographers who found them.
Dating back to the year Delaware became a state, this site has been the location for many mills along the Brandywine River. The buildings officially closed in 1961, but certain portions have been renovated into condominiums. Over the years, multiple fires have damaged the ruins of the mills.
Editor's Note:The beautiful Jehu Reed house was demolished on July 16, 2017, but we wanted to leave this photo up so that those who never got to see it still have a chance to admire its beauty. The main part of the house dates back to 1771, before Delaware was a state. Reed was considered to be a pioneer of Delaware agriculture.
This range light is still in use, but was automated many years ago, so the structures around it are in disrepair. Built in the early 1900s, this and other range lights built along the Delaware coast helped with navigation upon the dredging of a new channel for the Delaware Bay.
Also known as the George W. Helme Company, this site was operated by the Garnett family for the milling of tobacco dating back to 1846. Much of Yorklyn features remnants of Delaware's industrial past.
While the Gibraltar Mansion looks oddly beautiful taken over by wisteria, the hope is that it won't look like this for much longer. Built back in the mid-1840s, the mansion was abandoned years later and in 1997 efforts slowly started to restore the gardens to their original beauty. Today, you can visit the Marion Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar.
The history of Ship John Shoal Light is long and complex. Marking the north side of the shipping channel of the Delaware Bay off the coast from Bombay Hook, the light is now automated. In 2011, the federal government made it available for free to any organization or person willing to restore it.
7. Caretaker's House, Delaware Breakwater Rear Range Light
While the actual lighthouse that was at the west end of Lewes was relocated to Florida in 1927 after being disassembled in 1919, some of the supporting buildings still remain.
Abandoned barns, granaries, and silos dot the state of Delaware, speaking to the state's deep agricultural roots. If you take a drive through Sussex County, you'll find plenty of these breathtaking buildings covered in Ivy and rotting away due to a decline in agriculture and a change in the supply chain.
In the early 19th century, there were over 15 mills within a 4 mile radius of Millsboro, due to its situation at the headwaters of the Indian River. That explains the name of the town! Remnants of these old mills are still found in the area, and if you drive around, you'll see how they're slowly starting to blend into their natural surroundings.
Superstorm Sandy put this pier out of commission back in 2012, but it sure looks beautiful in this photograph! Since this picture was taken, a brand new pier was built at the site. The history of this once abandoned landmark still survives in the photographs taken!
Have you stumbled upon abandoned places in Delaware? We’re now on a mission to take photos of others that we see peeking out from behind trees along the roadways. Be sure to share any abandoned places in nature in Delaware that you know of!
Address: Bancroft Mills Rd, Wilmington, DE 19806, USA
Address: Reedy Point, DE, Delaware 19709, USA
Address: Jct. Delaware Route 82 and, Yorklyn Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707, USA
Address: Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar, 1405 Greenhill Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806, USA
Address: Ship John Shoal Light, New Jersey, USA
Address: Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Address: Battery Park, New Castle, DE 19720, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
abandoned places in nature in Delaware
March 11, 2020
Kim Magaraci
What is the most famous abandoned place in Delaware?
The most famous abandoned place in Delaware might be the enormous Gibraltar Mansion. This abandoned DuPont home sits empty, but the gardens out in the back yard are still kept up! You can visit the Marion Coffin Gardens to see the beauty for yourself. This is truly an oasis in the heart of Wilmington.
What is the most accessible abandoned place in Delaware?
Fort Miles Historic Area is one of the most accessible abandoned places in Delaware. This former fort housed soldiers during World War II and was a vital part of American coastal defenses. Today, you can visit the Fort in Cape Henlopen State Park, and you can even schedule a tour of one of the abandoned batteries. The Fort is rumored to be haunted, and you can camp in the state park just a short walk away from the bunkers, batteries, and lookout towers.
Are there any hikes to abandoned places in Delaware?
You can hike around Bancroft Mills, an abandoned factory that has been destroyed by fire several times now. There are still some ruins standing and you can check them out when you hike the Alapocas Woods Trail in Alapocas Run State Park.
Address: Bancroft Mills Rd, Wilmington, DE 19806, USA
Address: Reedy Point, DE, Delaware 19709, USA
Address: Jct. Delaware Route 82 and, Yorklyn Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707, USA
Address: Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar, 1405 Greenhill Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806, USA
Address: Ship John Shoal Light, New Jersey, USA
Address: Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Address: Battery Park, New Castle, DE 19720, USA
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Katy is a life-long Delaware resident who grew up on a small grain farm and spent her summers enjoying time at the beach. A full time public relations professional by day and a content specialist with OIYS at night, Katy loves sharing her love of her home state with fellow Delawareans and others. Loves: local food, dachshunds, horseshoe crabs, hiking, farmers markets, bourbon.
