The Little Town in Delaware That Might Just Be the Most Unique Town in the World

Where in the world can you find a town so steeped in history that its greatest tradition is still performed as it was in colonial days - with horse-drawn carriages and an ox feast? We'll tell you where: Georgetown, DE. This town is in what the locals call "Lower, Slower Delaware," and it's rich in history and culture. Its traditions and demographics make it one of the most interesting towns in the world. Keep reading to learn more about the best things to do in Georgetown, Delaware!

So just where is Georgetown, Delaware? This charming little town is located about a 45-minute drive south of Dover, the state capital.

Just about everything in Georgetown makes it stand out from other towns in Delaware. Starting with the layout - rather than being built on a traditional city grid system, the town was constructed around a circle, which remains the center of town to this day. The center of town is still called "The Circle," and it's lined with many historic buildings.

You'll find the Georgetown Town Hall, multiple state and county buildings, and the historic Sussex County Courthouse, which was built in 1873 to replace the original courthouse. It was restored in the 1970s and is the most recognizable building in Sussex County.

The Circle is the town's economic center, too.

The only thing more recognizable in Delaware than the Sussex Co. Courthouse is the Georgetown Fountain.

The small park in the middle of the circle is a wonderful place to sit and relax on a nice day, and watch the happenings of government and business all around you. People who come to Georgetown for a relaxing weekend getaway often come here to sit and enjoy.

When you head away from the Circle, you'll still encounter numerous historic buildings.

Francis Asbury began preaching in the town as early as 1779, and shortly thereafter, the first church was built on West Pine Street. There are numerous stately homes and many other buildings in Georgetown that are on the National Register of Historic Places. A short list, for history buffs: Joseph T. Adams House, Peter S. Faucett House, First Broiler House, Stella Pepper Gyles House, Dr. John W. Messick House and Office, David Carlton Pepper Farm, Redden Forest Lodge, Forester's House and Stable, Richards Mansion, Short Homestead, and McColley's Chapel.

It isn't just Georgetown's history that makes it unique, though. It's also the traditions the town has kept alive.

Every two years, Georgetown celebrates its greatest holiday, Return Day. The "Day" is really only an afternoon, but it's a holiday for county and state workers throughout Sussex. In colonial times, it would take two days for election results to arrive in Georgetown from Dover, and residents would gather to hear. The Winners would parade around the circle in horse-drawn carriages, and a literal hatchet would be buried as a symbolic way to put differences aside for the good of the state and county. At the end of the day, the Parade gives way to an ox feast, marking the beginning of the next set of campaigns.

Another thing that sets Georgetown apart from the rest of the slower Lower Delaware is its diversity.

Because of its strong agricultural history (and its major employer, Perdue Farms), Georgetown is a popular town for Central American immigrants. There are large populations, particularly of Haitian and Guatemalan families. While other Sussex County towns are overwhelmingly white, Georgetown has a much more diverse population, and with that comes incredibly rich culture. This is evidenced in many of the restaurants, shops, and other entities in town as well.

Georgetown, Delaware is an amazing place to visit if you want a unique experience, rich in culture and history. Make it a stop on your next road trip through Delaware, and you'll soon realize the charm it brings to the state.