Milford · History and events
Milford, Delaware: history and events
History, lore, events and occasions in Milford, Sussex County, Delaware: 12 questions answered from official and primary sources.
More about Milford
Questions about history and events in Milford
History and lore
How was Milford founded?
Milford grew from two communities on either side of the Mispillion Creek. Rev. Sydenham Thorne built a dam and mills around 1780, and plantation owner Joseph Oliver laid out lots near his store. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
When was Milford incorporated?
The city recognizes an 1807 act creating commissioners to oversee streets as its first incorporation. A charter established the City of Milford in 1931, and the city lies in both Kent and Sussex counties. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
What role did shipbuilding play in Milford?
The City of Milford says shipbuilding was thriving on the Mispillion River by the 1770s and stayed the main industry through World War I. The high point came in 1917 with the launch of the four-masted Albert F. Paul. Source: cityofmilford.com.
How did the railroad affect Milford?
Town lots were laid out in South Milford around 1840, and the arrival of the railroad in 1859 strongly boosted growth. The town became a commercial center for the surrounding farm region. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
What historic sites are in Milford?
National Park Service records cover the Milford Shipyard Area Historic District, the North Milford and South Milford Historic Districts (part of the Milford Multiple Resource Area), Abbott's Mill southwest of Milford (record dated 1972) and the Mispillion Lighthouse and Beacon Tower (nomination prepared in 1986). Source: npgallery.nps.gov, npgallery.nps.gov, npgallery.nps.gov.
Which governors came from Milford?
The City of Milford says seven Delaware governors came from the town, including Daniel Rogers, William Burton and Ruth Ann Minner. Source: cityofmilford.com.
Who was the Milford Bard?
John Lofland (1798-1849), known as the "Milford Bard," was a Delaware poet. He published The Harp of Delaware in 1828. Source: poets.org.
Events, holidays and occasions
What annual events happen in Milford?
Southern Delaware Tourism lists Toasting the Town pub crawl (March), Bug and Bud Festival (April), Riverwalk Freedom Festival (September), The Big Draw DE (October) and the Holiday Stroll on Walnut Street (December). Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com.
What is the Riverwalk Freedom Festival?
It is described as Milford's largest annual outdoor festival, hosted by the Milford Chamber of Commerce each September. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com.
What is the Bug and Bud Festival?
It celebrates the ladybug, Milford's symbol, and nature, and marks Arbor Day. Southern Delaware Tourism places it in April. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com.
Does Milford hold a holiday event?
Yes. The Milford Holiday Stroll takes families along downtown Walnut Street in December with live entertainment and visits to local businesses. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com.
Does Return Day apply in Milford?
Return Day is a Sussex County holiday under state law. Milford lies in both Kent and Sussex counties, so check with the city on closures. The main celebration is in Georgetown. Source: delcode.delaware.gov, visitsoutherndelaware.com.
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.