Ellendale · History and events
Ellendale, Delaware: history and events
History, lore, events and occasions in Ellendale, Sussex County, Delaware: 9 questions answered from official and primary sources.
More about Ellendale
Questions about history and events in Ellendale
History and lore
When was Ellendale founded and incorporated?
The current town site was established in 1866, when families settled near the Junction and Breakwater Railroad Depot, and it was surveyed in 1866 and 1867. Ellendale was formally incorporated in 1905. Source: ellendale.delaware.gov, archives.delaware.gov.
How did Ellendale get its name?
Accounts differ. A 1938 guide quoted in the town's comprehensive plan says Ellendale was named for the daughter of Alfred Short, while the Delaware Public Archives cites a place-names reference that credits Dr. John Prettyman's wife. Source: ellendale.delaware.gov, archives.delaware.gov.
What is Ellendale's nickname?
Ellendale is known as the "Gateway to Delaware's Resort Beaches." It sits at the crossroads of Routes 113 and 16. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com.
What was the Black Camp Insurrection near Ellendale?
According to the state historical marker, the forest and swamp near Ellendale bridging the divide between the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays became a refuge for Loyalists during the 1780 Black Camp Insurrection. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
What historic sites are in Ellendale?
The Ellendale State Forest Picnic Facility and Teddy's Tavern were both listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Source: npgallery.nps.gov, npgallery.nps.gov.
What milestones marked Ellendale's early growth?
The Queen Anne's Railroad ran its first passenger trains through Ellendale in 1897, and the Town Council started the Ellendale Fire Company as a municipal fire department in 1920. The state marker adds that the Ellendale State Forest was established in 1927. Source: ellendale.delaware.gov, archives.delaware.gov.
Events, holidays and occasions
Does Ellendale have town festivals?
The Town of Ellendale website listed no events at last check, and Southern Delaware Tourism shows none. Source: ellendale.delaware.gov.
Which festivals are nearest to Ellendale?
Milton has an October Punkin Ale Fest and a December Holly Festival, and Georgetown hosts Wings & Wheels in October and Return Day in even-numbered Novembers. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com, visitsoutherndelaware.com.
Is Return Day a holiday in Ellendale?
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.