DELAWARE - Delaware, though one of the nation's smallest states, is home to a diverse array of cities and towns, from the bustling corporate hub of Wilmington to its popular coastal resorts. But in a state of nearly one million residents, one community holds the unique distinction of being the smallest of them all.
A Look at Hartly: The Story of Delaware's Smallest Town
While populations can fluctuate with each census, the title of the smallest incorporated town in Delaware consistently belongs to the tiny, quiet community of Hartly in Kent County.
A Tiny Town with a Long History:
- Location: Hartly is located in the rural, western part of Kent County, near the Maryland border.
- Population: According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Hartly had an official population of just 73 residents. This makes it, by both population and land area (just 0.057 square miles), the least populous municipality in the entire state.
- History: The town has a rich history that predates its current name. It was originally known as "Butterpot" and later "Arthurville." The name was changed to Hartly in the 19th century to honor a railroad employee, Mr. Hart, who was instrumental in bringing the railroad to the area. For a time, the railroad made the town a small hub for the surrounding agricultural community, but like many small railroad towns, its population declined as transportation methods changed.
What to Expect in Hartly:
A visit to Hartly is a journey into the quiet heart of rural Delaware. There are no major tourist attractions. The town itself is centered around the intersection of Delaware Routes 11 and 44 and is home to a handful of residences, the Hartly Volunteer Fire Company, a post office, and Hartly Elementary School.
The town of Hartly holds the unique title of the smallest incorporated town in Delaware. Its tiny population and quiet, rural setting stand in stark contrast to the state's larger cities and bustling beach resorts. More than just a trivia answer, Hartly is a living piece of Delaware's agricultural and railroad history, representing the enduring character of the state's small, tight-knit communities.
Sources:
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Delaware Public Archives - State of Delaware
- The Delaware News Journal & other local news outlets
- Wikipedia - "List of municipalities in Delaware"
