Ghost Towns in Delaware
9 documented ghost towns
Explore on Map
History
Explore the ghost towns of Delaware.
All Ghost Towns
Bethel
Bethel is an old crossroads village in rural Sussex County. The town has declined to a handful of houses, a church, and a historic cemetery. It repres...
Cooch's Bridge
Cooch's Bridge was a small mill community that became the site of Delaware's only Revolutionary War battle in 1777. It is said the Stars and Stripes w...
Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island marks the eastern end of the Mason-Dixon line and the Delaware-Maryland border. It was home to a U.S. Life-Saving Station (now a museum...
Fort Delaware
Fort Delaware was a Union prisoner-of-war camp during the Civil War. At peak, it held 12,500 Confederate prisoners. About 2,400 died from disease. Tod...
Pea Patch Island / Fort Delaware
Fort Delaware held up to 12,500 Confederate prisoners during the Civil War—called 'The Andersonville of the North' for its high death rate. The island...
Fort Miles
Fort Miles was built after Pearl Harbor to defend the Delaware Bay and Philadelphia shipyards. Massive 16-inch guns could fire 25 miles. After the war...
Iron Hill
Iron Hill was mined for iron ore by Native Americans and later by European settlers. It is the highest point in the Newark area. The Iron Hill Museum ...
Odessa
Odessa (originally Cantwell's Bridge) was a thriving grain port in the 18th century. When the railroad bypassed the town, it went into decline. Today,...
Lewes Beach
The Dutch established Zwaanendael (Valley of the Swans) in 1631, making it Delaware's first European settlement. The entire colony was massacred by th...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Delaware?
We have documented 9 ghost towns in Delaware. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Delaware safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in Delaware?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.