Georgetown · History and events
Georgetown, Delaware: history and events
History, lore, events and occasions in Georgetown, Sussex County, Delaware: 13 questions answered from official and primary sources.
More about Georgetown
Questions about history and events in Georgetown
History and lore
When was Georgetown founded?
Georgetown was founded in 1791 as the new Sussex County seat. A January 29, 1791 act authorized the move from Lewes, commissioners bought 76 acres on May 9, 1791, and the seat of justice officially moved October 26, 1791. Source: georgetowndel.com, archives.delaware.gov.
How did Georgetown get its name?
It was named to honor Commissioner George Mitchell, who was active in the effort to move the county seat to a central location. Source: georgetowndel.com, archives.delaware.gov.
What is Return Day in Georgetown?
Return Day is held every two years on the Thursday after the November general election, centered on The Circle. Events include a parade, the reading of election results from the courthouse tower, and the "burying of the hatchet." Source: georgetowndel.com.
Why is Georgetown built around a circle?
The town is centered on The Circle. In 1863 the town limits were set at half a mile from the center of the public square, creating a circular boundary, and Georgetown was formally incorporated in 1869. Source: georgetowndel.com, archives.delaware.gov.
What historic sites are in Georgetown?
The town's history page says The Circle is listed in the national historic record. The red brick Greek Revival courthouse that dominates The Circle was built in 1839. Source: georgetowndel.com.
What is Georgetown known for?
Georgetown is known for The Circle, the county courthouse and Return Day, held every two years on the Thursday after the November general election. The town says it has long been said that Georgetown is 16 miles from everything. Source: georgetowndel.com, georgetowndel.com.
Who are notable historical people from Georgetown?
Charles C. Stockley, a Delaware governor from 1883 to 1887, was born in Georgetown on November 6, 1819. Source: nga.org.
Events, holidays and occasions
What is Return Day in Georgetown?
Return Day is a Sussex County tradition held in Georgetown two days after each general election, in even-numbered years. The Town Crier reads results on the Circle, there is a parade, and party leaders bury a hatchet in sand. Free ox roast sandwiches are served. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com, capegazette.com.
When is Return Day in 2026?
Thursday, November 5, 2026, two days after the November 3 General Election. In 2024 the festivities ran roughly 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a 1 p.m. parade. The 2026 schedule had not been found at last check; confirm with the Return Day organizers. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com, dagsboro.delaware.gov.
When is Wings & Wheels in Georgetown?
Wings & Wheels is held in October at the Delaware Coastal Airport, with a vintage aircraft fly-in and a classic car show, per Southern Delaware Tourism. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com.
What is Festival Hispano in Georgetown?
It is a decades-old September street fair with music, dancing and food celebrating Delaware's diverse cultures, per Southern Delaware Tourism. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com.
When is the Georgetown Christmas parade?
The Georgetown Christmas Parade is held on the Circle in early December, paired with Sussex County's Caroling on the Circle. In 2023 caroling began at 6 p.m. and the parade and tree lighting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 7. Source: sussexcountyde.gov.
Is Return Day a holiday in Georgetown?
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. Georgetown is the county seat. 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.