Delmar · History and events
Delmar, Delaware: history and events
History, lore, events and occasions in Delmar, Sussex County, Delaware: 13 questions answered from official and primary sources.
More about Delmar
Questions about history and events in Delmar
History and lore
When was Delmar founded and incorporated?
Delmar was established soon after the Delaware Railroad reached the area in 1859, and the Delaware side was incorporated on March 9, 1899. Delmar, Maryland, was incorporated in 1888. Source: archives.delaware.gov, archives.delaware.gov, townofdelmar.us.
How did Delmar get its name?
The name combines the first three letters of Delaware and Maryland, the two states whose border the town straddles. Source: archives.delaware.gov, archives.delaware.gov.
Why is Delmar called "The Little Town Too Big for One State"?
That is the town's tagline, and it reflects a town split by the Delaware-Maryland line. The Maryland side was incorporated in 1888 and the Delaware side in 1899, and the two have often worked together to provide services. Source: townofdelmar.us, archives.delaware.gov, townofdelmar.us.
What fires and rebuilding shaped Delmar?
Fires devastated the town in 1892 and again in 1901, and many buildings were afterward rebuilt in brick. Planning for a water distribution system began after the second fire. Source: townofdelmar.us.
How did the railroad make Delmar a boom town?
In 1859 the Delaware Railroad extended its line to Delaware's southern boundary and built a station on land donated for a right-of-way. Town lots were laid out near the station, and the town grew around the railroad. Source: archives.delaware.gov, townofdelmar.us.
What historic sites are in Delmar?
The Highball Signal, a railroad signal in Delmar, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Source: npgallery.nps.gov.
Who founded Delmar?
The town history credits landowners Elijah Freeney and Winder Hastings, who granted the railroad right-of-way and donated land for a terminal. Freeney laid out the small town and built its first house and store. Source: townofdelmar.us.
Did Delmar's two halves ever work together?
A joint sewer system for the Maryland and Delaware portions of Delmar was completed in 1927. Students from both sides of the state line also attend Delmar Elementary in Maryland under the Wicomico County Board of Education. Source: archives.delaware.gov, townofdelmar.us.
Events, holidays and occasions
What is Delmar Heritage Day?
Delmar Heritage Day is an annual community day on the Delaware-Maryland line, known for a tug-of-war across the state line. A 2011 report placed it on a Saturday in September with a car show, crafts, food and fireworks at Mason-Dixon Park. Confirm the current date with the town. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com, whyy.org.
Is there a farmers market in Delmar?
The Delmar Farmers and Artisans Market meets on the second and fourth Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 9 to September 26 in 2026. Source: agriculture.delaware.gov.
Does Delmar have a Christmas parade?
A 2017 regional listing placed a Delmar Christmas parade in mid-December at 2 p.m. The town site did not show a current date, so confirm before attending. Source: wboc.com.
Does Return Day apply to Delmar?
Return Day is a Sussex County holiday under Delaware law. Delmar straddles the state line, and the Maryland side follows Maryland rules. The main celebration is in Georgetown. Source: delcode.delaware.gov, visitsoutherndelaware.com.
Is General Election Day a holiday in Delmar?
Delaware law lists the day of the General Election as a legal holiday. It falls on November 3 in 2026. Source: delcode.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.