Townsend in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Townsend
Photographed By Adam Margolis, July 22, 2010
1. Townsend Marker
Inscription.
Townsend. . A community of free African American, known as Charley Town, was located here by the mid-19th century. Between 1845 and 1855 brothers Samuel and John Townsend purchased several large tracts of farmland in the vicinity. The Delaware Railroad arrived here in 1856, bisecting Samuel Townsend's property. This led to a period of sustained growth for the town, as the railroad station became the principal shipping point for the area's agricultural products. In September 1856 the Post Office was established, and the first hotel opened in 1857. Following a healthy debate among the residents, the station was named Townsend, after the area's major land owners. The peach industry was a vital contributor to the area's growth and prosperity until disease destroyed many Delmarva orchards in the late 19th century. On April 3, 1885 Townsend was formally incorporated by the Delaware General Assembly. In 1986, the Townsend Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
A community of free African American, known as Charley Town, was located here by the mid-19th century. Between 1845 and 1855 brothers Samuel and John Townsend purchased several large tracts of farmland in the vicinity. The Delaware Railroad arrived here in 1856, bisecting Samuel Townsend's property. This led to a period of sustained growth for the town, as the railroad station became the principal shipping point for the area's agricultural products. In September 1856 the Post Office was established, and the first hotel opened in 1857. Following a healthy debate among the residents, the station was named Townsend, after the area's major land owners. The peach industry was a vital contributor to the area's growth and prosperity until disease destroyed many Delmarva orchards in the late 19th century. On April 3, 1885 Townsend was formally incorporated by the Delaware General Assembly. In 1986, the Townsend Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Erected 2008 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NC-186.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 3, 1885.
Location. 39° 23.76′
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N, 75° 41.418′ W. Marker is in Townsend, Delaware, in New Castle County. Marker is on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 141 Main Street, Townsend DE 19734, United States of America. Touch for directions.
The marker was originally located at N 39° 23.855, W 075° 41.121.
Photographed By Don Morfe, October 13, 2019
4. Townsend Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2019, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 495 times since then and 83 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on January 14, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 2. submitted on October 22, 2019, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3. submitted on January 14, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 4. submitted on October 22, 2019, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
