Dagsboro · History and events
Dagsboro, Delaware: history and events
History, lore, events and occasions in Dagsboro, Sussex County, Delaware: 12 questions answered from official and primary sources.
More about Dagsboro
Questions about history and events in Dagsboro
History and lore
When was Dagsboro founded and incorporated?
Dagsboro began as a village called Blackfoot Town. The Delaware Public Archives says it was first incorporated in 1899 and was re-incorporated in 1923, 1941 and 1991. Source: archives.delaware.gov, archives.delaware.gov, dagsboro.delaware.gov.
How did Dagsboro get its name?
The village was first called Blackfoot Town. After land including it was granted in 1774 to General John Dagsworthy (also spelled Dagworthy), the name was changed to Dagsborough in his honor and later shortened to Dagsboro. Source: dagsboro.delaware.gov, archives.delaware.gov.
What is Prince George's Chapel?
Built in 1755, Prince George's Chapel began as an Anglican chapel-of-ease and was named for the English prince who later became King George III. The State of Delaware acquired it in 1967, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Source: history.delaware.gov, dagsboro.delaware.gov.
Why is Prince George's Chapel tied to Maryland history?
The chapel began as a chapel-of-ease serving the northern outlying area of Worcester Parish, Maryland, before the area became part of Delaware. General John Dagworthy, a large local landowner and military officer, is buried beneath its chancel. Source: history.delaware.gov.
What is the Clayton Theatre?
The town describes the Clayton Theatre as the last single-screen theatre in Delaware to show first-run movies. Source: dagsboro.delaware.gov.
What is Dagsboro known for today?
Dagsboro is home to the Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek, a public garden at 30220 Piney Neck Road. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com.
Who are notable historical people from Dagsboro?
John Middleton Clayton (1796-1856) was born in Dagsboro and served as a U.S. Senator and as Secretary of State under President Zachary Taylor. John Dagworthy, a Delaware militia brigadier general and one of the largest landowners on the Delmarva Peninsula, is also tied to the town. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
Events, holidays and occasions
When is the Dagsboro Christmas parade?
The parade runs along Main Street at 7 p.m. in early December. In 2025 it was Tuesday, December 9, and a 2023 photo caption described it as the 10th annual. Source: coastalpoint.com.
Is Dagsboro Town Hall closed for Return Day in 2026?
Yes. The town's website lists Election Day, November 3, 2026, as Town Hall closed and Return Day, November 5, 2026, as Town Hall closing at noon. Source: dagsboro.delaware.gov.
Where is the nearest farmers market to Dagsboro?
The Millsboro Farmers Market meets Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, May 2 to September 26 in 2026. Source: agriculture.delaware.gov.
What annual festival is near Dagsboro?
The Nanticoke Indian Powwow is held in Millsboro in September, per Southern Delaware Tourism. Millsboro also holds a June Stars and Stripes celebration with fireworks. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com.
Is Return Day a holiday in Dagsboro?
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.