Bridgeville · History and events
Bridgeville, Delaware: history and events
History, lore, events and occasions in Bridgeville, Sussex County, Delaware: 12 questions answered from official and primary sources.
More about Bridgeville
Questions about history and events in Bridgeville
History and lore
When was Bridgeville founded and incorporated?
The town says a community began developing along Bridge Branch in the 1680s and that the Town was incorporated in 1871. The Delaware Public Archives adds that the General Assembly changed the name to Bridgeville in 1810. Source: bridgeville.delaware.gov, archives.delaware.gov.
How did Bridgeville get its name?
The settlement was first called Bridge Branch, after a branch of the Nanticoke River that a bridge crossed starting in 1730. The General Assembly changed the name to Bridgeville in 1810. Source: archives.delaware.gov, bridgeville.delaware.gov.
What is Bridgeville known for?
Bridgeville is an agriculture-oriented town best known for hosting the annual Apple Scrapple Festival. Its logo carries the motto "If you lived here, you would be home now." Source: bridgeville.delaware.gov, bridgeville.delaware.gov.
What historic sites are in Bridgeville?
National Register listings in town are the Bridgeville Historic District (1994), Bridgeville Public Library (1990), Old Bridgeville Fire House (1984) and Sudler House (1974). Source: npgallery.nps.gov, npgallery.nps.gov, npgallery.nps.gov.
How did the railroad change Bridgeville?
The Delaware Railroad established a station at Bridgeville in 1856, and the railroad's arrival spurred the town's growth. Bridgeville was first incorporated in 1871 as the Commissioners of Bridgeville. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
Who are notable historical people from Bridgeville?
The Bridgeville Historical Society lists Delaware governors from Bridgeville or nearby, including Peter Causey (1855 to 1859) and William Cannon (1863 to 1865). Cannon laid out downtown blocks and alleys in the late 1850s. Source: bridgevillehistoricalsocietyde.org, archive.regulations.delaware.gov.
Events, holidays and occasions
When is the Apple Scrapple Festival?
It is held on the second full weekend of October that includes a Friday. The 2026 festival, the 34th, ran October 9 and 10. No 2027 dates have been published. Source: applescrapple.com, bridgeville.delaware.gov.
When is the Bridgeville Christmas parade in 2026?
The town lists its Holiday Parade for December 12, 2026. Past parades were held on the second Saturday of December. Source: bridgeville.delaware.gov.
When is the Bridgeville tree lighting in 2026?
The town lists a Tree Lighting Ceremony for December 1, 2026. Source: bridgeville.delaware.gov.
What other events does Bridgeville hold?
The town calendar shows a spring and a fall town-wide yard sale, a June Concert in the Park, outdoor movie nights, and downtown trick-or-treat on October 31. Source: bridgeville.delaware.gov.
What happens at the Apple Scrapple Festival?
Friday evening has an opening ceremony, Little Miss Pageant, Kids Apple Toss, carnival and street dance. Saturday has a car show, craft show, rides and live entertainment. Proceeds go to local organizations. Source: applescrapple.com.
Is Return Day a holiday in Bridgeville?
Return Day is a Sussex County legal holiday under Delaware Code Title 1, Section 501: the second day after the General Election, after 12:00 noon. It falls on the Thursday after Election Day in even-numbered years, and in 2026 that is November 5. The main celebration is held in Georgetown. Source: delcode.delaware.gov, visitsoutherndelaware.com, dagsboro.delaware.gov.
How these answers are sourced
Every answer on this page cites an official or primary source, such as the town, a state agency, NOAA or the institution itself. Answers SussexCounty.ai could not confirm from a primary source are left out until they can be.