Millville · History and events
Millville, Delaware: history and events
History, lore, events and occasions in Millville, Sussex County, Delaware: 10 questions answered from official and primary sources.
More about Millville
Questions about history and events in Millville
History and lore
When was Millville incorporated?
Millville was incorporated in 1907 as the Commissioners of Millville, with a boundary extension in 1909. It adopted a modern charter and town council in 2000. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
How did Millville get its name?
A sawmill near the headwaters of Mill Creek in the late 1800s formed the nucleus of the town, according to the Delaware Public Archives. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
What was the steam sawmill at Millville?
The town grew up around a steam sawmill run by Capt. Peter Townsend in the late 1800s, and later became a center for lumber, farm products and commercial fishing. Source: millville.delaware.gov.
What was Millville's role in the Civil War?
Local men volunteered for the Union, and Company D of the Sixth Delaware Volunteer Infantry, recruited largely from the area, mostly guarded Fort Delaware. Source: millville.delaware.gov.
What notable events are in Millville's history?
The Blizzard of 1888 hit the area, the Millville fire company bought its first motorized truck in 1936, and the Lord Baltimore School building was completed in 1932. During World War II, German prisoners of war worked locally. Source: millville.delaware.gov.
Events, holidays and occasions
When is the Millville tree lighting?
The town lights its tree at Evans Park in early December. In 2025 it was Thursday, December 4, at about 6:05 p.m. Source: coastalpoint.com.
Is Millville part of the Fire and Ice Festival?
Yes. Evans Park in Millville hosts the Sunday finale, with a final ice carving demonstration, in the 2026 festival (January 30 to February 1). The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber leads the event. Source: selbyville.delaware.gov.
Where is the nearest farmers market to Millville?
The Bethany Beach Farmers Market meets Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon, May 31 to September 6 in 2026. The Millsboro market meets Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon. Source: agriculture.delaware.gov.
Does Millville have a Fourth of July parade?
No Millville parade was found in recent regional listings. Nearby Bethany Beach holds a noon parade and an evening fireworks show. Source: bestofbethany.com, wdel.com.
Is Return Day a holiday in Millville?
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.