Best Ghost Towns in Delaware To Visit

Banning

While the state of Delaware has a long and storied history, the infamous Banning ghost town is a far cry from the quaint towns of the old West. The small community grew up around a railroad line and vanished into history after the Queen Anne Railroad failed. Today, the area is dotted with ghost towns scattered throughout the state. These towns are not like the ghost towns of the West, which exist mostly as historical accounts and old postcards. In contrast, in Delaware, you won't find any physical evidence of the communities.

Glenville

The town of Glenville, Delaware, is an abandoned village on Bread and Cheese Island. Located near Red Clay Creek, homes in Glenville shared the same backyard as the creek, which is notorious for frequent flooding. After Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and Tropical Storm Henri in 2003, the city was closed off, and the land turned into a park. Some foundations remain visible on the streets, and you may be able to find a couple of homes still standing.

Before the flood of 1938, the town was a prosperous first-ring suburb. Many homes were damaged beyond repair, and the residents planned to abandon the town. The county bought the neighborhood and turned it into a park. Today, all left of the village is the foundations of the homes and random street remnants. In addition to the abandoned houses, you can also find remnants of abandoned buildings such as factories, warehouses, and granaries.

New Market

You're missing out if you've never heard of New Market, Delaware! This small village was founded in the 18th century and had a church and cemetery. Today, you can tour the site and see the cemetery, but it's unlikely to be much more than an old graveyard. However, if you visit the town, be sure to read up on the area's history.

While there are numerous websites that discuss the history of New Market, this one focuses on one mine town: the former New Market Village Mobile Home Park. This ghost town is located in Sussex County, about 89 miles from Washington DC. Although it may be a bit off-beat, this town still has a strong history of being a mining community, and you can learn a lot by visiting.

Zwaanendael

There are several things to do in the area surrounding Zwaanendael. The Zwaanendael Park, for example, is a great place to see the colorful gardens that were once common in this area. The park is also the home of a museum and gardens dating back to the 1700s. You can visit the park during the summer or fall to learn more about the area's history and heritage.

When the Dutch settlers first arrived in Delaware, they had a tough time settling. The settlement became a ghost town, but they managed to make a successful bargain. In 1629, the Dutch made a deal with the natives to establish a colony stretching from Cape Henlopen to the Delaware River. They settled there and named it Swanendael, which means Valley of Swans. However, the settlement was a disaster, and the settlers were killed due to a cultural mismatch between the Dutch and Native people.

Owens Station

There are numerous abandoned buildings and structures throughout Delaware. The state is home to numerous barns, silos, and granaries that have since fallen into disrepair due to changes in the food and farming industries. A visit to Owens Station will give you a glimpse into the history of this small town. The area's population was only 18 in 1900 and 62 in 1925.

There are countless ghost tours throughout the state, but this ghost town is particularly fascinating during the colder months. There is no shortage of ghost stories in Delaware, with tales of headless horsemen, haunted houses, and haunted prisons all making appearances. The state is home to some of the most haunted buildings in the country, including the Governor's Mansion in Dover. This historic property was built in 1790, but it was not until 1815 that the first ghostly sighting occurred. The owner of Gibraltar Mansion was Dr. and Mrs. Martin Bates, who lived in the mansion.

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