America’s First State, Delaware, is a mashup of placenames and cultures, drawing from its rich past.
Five towns with intriguing placenames that offer insight into the history of each municipality are examined in this article.
These communities are not an exception to Delaware’s important ecosystems, varied animals, and noteworthy landmark attractions.
Explore the fascinating histories and distinct appeal of these places with unusual names.
Bacons
This town isn’t known for its breakfast fare, despite what its name may suggest. Bacons Switch is another local name for Bacons, which is in southern Delaware’s Sussex County.
Named for the Bacon family, who helped pioneer the area, later constructed a sawmill here for processing lumber, and established a basket-making company, the little hamlet is located in southern Delaware, just beyond the Maryland state boundary.
The idea of a “switch” originated at Bacons, which was a railroad center beginning in the late 1800s.
Bacons Switch was changed from Bacons as a stand-alone town name because it was a switch point on a straight north-south rail route between the neighboring towns of Laurel and Delmar.
Pot-Nets
Pot-Nets earned its peculiar appellation from the pots and nets that were utilized in the process of catching crabs and other shellfish in Indian River Bay, which is the location of the settlement.
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Pot-Nets Point, which is also referred to as Lingos Point in the area, is a location that provides residents and visitors with the opportunity to take in the breathtaking panoramas of Indian River Bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
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Corner Ketch
It’s still unclear where the word “Corner Ketch” came from. Some claim that the name originates from the French word cache, which means “hiding place,” or from the old English word kedge, which denoted a tavern or rest area.
The curved Pennsylvania-Delaware state line is close to Corner Ketch.
There aren’t many clear attractions in this peaceful area, which is rural in the northwest of the state, but that might be just the reason to stop by and spend a while.
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Gumboro
Gumboro, a long-standing rural village over the border from Maryland, is loyal to its origins.
According to some, the town’s name originated from a local white gum tree. The robust community resources of Gumboro are noteworthy.
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The old Gumboro School was recently refurbished by the town and is now used as a community center for events including town meetings and festivals.
Gumboro receives spiritual services from West Woods Methodist Episcopal Church, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
The Barn Door, an antiques store located in the center of Gumboro, is one of the town’s other attractions.
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Broadkill Beach
Slaughter Beach, a nearby village to the north, and Broadkill Beach share the Delaware Bay.
The town’s name comes from the Dutch language. Numerous resorts and motels in Broadkill Beach are geared toward both locals and visitors.
Birdwatching is a popular local activity in the nearby Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, which is a memorable location.
Vacationers can schedule a visit for its well-known yearly Fourth of July celebrations, while water sports lovers can hire ocean kayaks or paddleboards.
Visit The Broadkill Store for a taste of the genuinely local. It is closed throughout the winter and reopens during the summer months to provide both locals and tourists souvenirs and a sticky bun that is well-known in the area.
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