Milton · History and events
Milton, Delaware: history and events
History, lore, events and occasions in Milton, Sussex County, Delaware: 13 questions answered from official and primary sources.
More about Milton
Questions about history and events in Milton
History and lore
How was Milton founded?
Mills were built in the early 1700s at the head of navigation on the Broadkill River, and by the 1760s a village called Head of Broadkiln had been laid out nearby. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
How did Milton get its name?
The village was renamed Milton in 1807. A 2004 charter amendment says the name honors John Milton, the English poet. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
When was Milton incorporated?
Milton was first incorporated in 1865 as the "Commissioners of Milton," with five commissioners. It was re-incorporated several times afterward. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
What is Milton known for?
Shipbuilding on the Broadkill River peaked between the Civil War and 1880, when three or four schooners up to 125 feet long were often under construction at once, and it had nearly stopped by 1887. By the mid-19th century rows of historic houses lined Union, Federal and Chestnut streets, and the town describes a Victorian home district with many cypress-shingled houses. Source: milton.delaware.gov, archives.delaware.gov.
What historic sites are in Milton?
The Milton Historic District was first listed on the National Register on June 25, 1982. A 2022 amendment, added July 21, 2022, covers 233 town parcels on 76.4 acres, of which 199 are contributing properties. The Hazzard House and the Draper-Adkins House were each listed in 1973. Source: history.delaware.gov, milton.delaware.gov, nps.gov.
Who are notable historical people from Milton?
Delaware governors David Hazzard (1781-1864, elected in 1829) and James Ponder (1819-1897, elected in 1870) are both tied to Milton and buried in Goshen Cemetery there. Joseph M. Carey, born in Milton in 1845, was Governor of Wyoming from 1911 to 1915. Source: archives.delaware.gov, archives.delaware.gov, archives.delaware.gov.
When could women vote in Milton?
In 1913 women were granted voting rights in Milton elections, but had to pay a $1 fee, which was repealed in 1921. Source: archives.delaware.gov.
Events, holidays and occasions
What is the Milton Holly Festival?
It is a December event run by the Milton Chamber of Commerce with craft vendors, a Santa visit, wreath-making demonstrations and a holiday house tour of historic homes. A 2014 listing put it on the second Saturday of December; confirm the current date. Source: milton.delaware.gov, visitsoutherndelaware.com.
When is the Milton St. Patrick's Day Parade?
It is held in March with a Lucky Leprechaun 5K, and Southern Delaware Tourism describes a parade with about 75 entries. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com.
Is there a farmers market in Milton?
The Milton Farmers and Artisans Market meets Fridays from 3:30 to 6 p.m., May 8 to September 4 in 2026. Source: agriculture.delaware.gov.
What fall events happen in Milton?
Southern Delaware Tourism's festival list shows the Punkin Ale Fest and Milton Theatre's Zombie Fest in October. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com.
When is the Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival?
It is held in May and celebrates horseshoe crabs and migrating shorebirds, listed under Milton by Southern Delaware Tourism. Source: visitsoutherndelaware.com.
Is Return Day a holiday in Milton?
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.