Millsboro · History and events
Millsboro, Delaware: history and events
History, lore, events and occasions in Millsboro, Sussex County, Delaware: 12 questions answered from official and primary sources.
More about Millsboro
Questions about history and events in Millsboro
History and lore
How did Millsboro get its name?
Around 1792 the headwaters of the Indian River were dammed at Rock Hole to power mills, and the settlement was first called Rock Hole Mills. It became Millsborough in 1809, and merged with the village of Washington in 1837 to take the name Millsboro. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
When was Millsboro incorporated?
Millsboro was incorporated in 1893 as "The Commissioners of the Town of Millsboro," and re-incorporated in 1909 and 1976. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
What weather records are tied to Millsboro?
The Delaware Climate Office lists Delaware's all-time record high as 110 degrees F, set in Millsboro on July 21, 1930, and its all-time record low as minus 17 degrees F, also in Millsboro, on January 17, 1893. Both are credited to NOAA station 076020. Source: climate.udel.edu.
What is Millsboro known for historically?
It became a trading center for lumber and agriculture, and a rail line reached town just after the Civil War, which spurred growth. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
What historic sites are in or near Millsboro?
National Register of Historic Places listings in Millsboro include Harmon School, the Isaac Harmon Farmhouse, Harmony Church and the Robert Davis Farmhouse (all 1979). The Godwin School, a one-teacher schoolhouse built in 1897 west of Millsboro off State Route 20, was added in 2018. The Indian Mission Church near Harbeson was listed April 26, 1979. Source: nps.gov, history.delaware.gov, archives.delaware.gov.
What is the Nanticoke connection to Millsboro?
A Delaware Public Archives marker says the Nanticoke people built the Indian Mission church in 1881 and still hold services there. The church is at 22701 Indian Mission Road, Harbeson. The Archives' history of Millsboro says the town site was a long-standing meeting place for Native American residents of the Delmarva Peninsula. Source: archives.delaware.gov, archives.delaware.gov.
Events, holidays and occasions
When is the Nanticoke Indian Powwow?
The Nanticoke Indian Powwow is held on a September weekend in Millsboro, with dance, drumming and more than 40 Native American vendors, per Southern Delaware Tourism. No 2027 dates were found. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com, nanticokeindians.org.
Does Millsboro have fireworks?
Yes. Millsboro's fireworks are held in late June, not July 4. In 2026 they were listed for June 27 at 9 p.m. at the Little League fields, with a rain date of June 28. Tourism lists the event as Stars and Stripes in June. Source: wdel.com, visitsoutherndelaware.com.
Is there a farmers market in Millsboro?
The Millsboro Farmers Market meets Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, May 2 to September 26 in 2026. Source: agriculture.delaware.gov.
When is the Millsboro Christmas parade?
The Town of Millsboro holds a Christmas parade in early December followed by a tree lighting. The town website was taking 2026 parade and holiday market registrations in October 2026 but did not show a date in the text we could read. Source: millsboro.org, wmdt.com.
What other annual events does Millsboro hold?
Southern Delaware Tourism lists the Big Saturday Car Show (August) along with the Powwow (September) and Stars and Stripes (June). Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com.
Is Return Day a holiday in Millsboro?
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.