Fenwick Island, Delaware: history and events

More about Fenwick Island

• Fenwick Island overview
• Land use and zoning
• People and housing
• History and events
• Schools, services and getting around
• Weather, flooding and hazards

Questions about history and events in Fenwick Island

History and lore

When was Fenwick Island incorporated?

The town was incorporated in 1953, with the charter approved July 8, 1953. Residents wanted to prevent the kind of overdevelopment seen in nearby Ocean City, Maryland. Source: archives.delaware.gov, charters.delaware.gov.

How did Fenwick Island get its name?

It is named for Thomas Fenwick, who owned the land at the turn of the eighteenth century. Source: archives.delaware.gov.

What is the Fenwick Island Lighthouse?

The 87-foot lighthouse was completed in 1858 and first lit August 1, 1859. The Coast Guard decommissioned it December 13, 1978, it was listed on the National Register in 1979, and the state took ownership in 1981. Source: history.delaware.gov.

What is the Transpeninsular Line marker at Fenwick Island?

A marker erected April 26, 1751 marks the eastern end of the boundary surveyed between Pennsylvania's three lower counties (now Delaware) and Maryland. King George III ratified the line in 1769. Source: history.delaware.gov.

Is there pirate lore at Fenwick Island?

The town's sustainability plan mentions tales of pirates patrolling the waters of Assawoman Bay from the late 1600s into the mid-1700s. These are tales, not documented history. Source: fenwickisland.delaware.gov.

What notable events happened on Fenwick Island?

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse was completed in 1858 and first shone on August 1, 1859. The Coast Guard decommissioned it in 1978, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and the state took ownership in 1981. Its grounds hold a stone marker erected in 1751 for the eastern end of the Pennsylvania lower counties and Maryland boundary. Source: history.delaware.gov.

What are "The Quiet Resorts"?

Fenwick Island prides itself on being one of "The Quiet Resorts," a group that also includes Bethany Beach and South Bethany. Source: fenwickisland.delaware.gov.

Events, holidays and occasions

Does Fenwick Island have a Fourth of July parade?

Yes. The town hosts an Independence Day Family Parade. The 2026 listing showed a 9 a.m. start, with pre-parade festivities at the Faucett-Okie Family Nature Preserve and the route ending at Pollinator Park, followed by refreshments at The Station. Source: fenwickisland.delaware.gov.

When is the Fenwick Island Christmas tree lighting?

The town holds a winter holiday tree lighting at the Town Park in early December. In 2025 it was Friday, December 5, at 5:30 p.m., with school choirs, carols, hot chocolate and an ornament craft. Source: fenwickisland.delaware.gov.

Is there a farmers market in Fenwick Island?

The Fenwick Island Farmers Market meets Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon, June 5 to September 4 in 2026, according to the Delaware Department of Agriculture list. Source: agriculture.delaware.gov.

What is the Southeastern Delaware Artists Studio Tour?

It is a two-day tour held every Thanksgiving weekend in which local artists open their studios and galleries, per Southern Delaware Tourism. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com.

Is Return Day a holiday in Fenwick Island?

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.