Cedar Creek Hundred in Milford in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Vinyard Shipbuilding Company

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 11, 2019

1. The Vinyard Shipbuilding Company Marker

Inscription. Founded in 1896 by Wilson M. Vinyard, the Vinyard Shipbuilding Company was the first Milford shipyard to build motorized vessels. The shipyard built numerous ships for the government including Navy subchasers and Coast Guard patrol boats. In 1927, the company began manufacturing world class yachts. Construction of new vessels ceased in 1951 and the yard closed following the death of Vinyard's son, Wilson (Sonny) Vinyard in 1973. During its existence, the company built more than 150 vessels. The yard fell into disrepair before being purchased in 1996 and restored by J. Sudler and Joan W. Lofland.

[Additional sign above:]
Milford Shipyard
Marine Railrway

10 Columbia St.

Formerly:
Vinyard Shipbuilding Co.
Est. 1896

38.544960 N
-75.252382 W

Shipyard Historic
District
National Register of
Historic Places

Erected 2016 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-255.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)

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series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.

Location. 38° 54.794′ N, 75° 25.396′ W. Marker is in Milford, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in Cedar Creek Hundred. It is at the intersection of Columbia Street and Mispillion Street on Columbia Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 Columbia Street, Milford DE 19963, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Mid-Atlantic,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Milford Veterans Memorial (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Calvary Church, Franklin St. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Nixon Palace Theater, N. Walnut St. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Red Mill & L.D. Caulk Mfg. Plant (approx. 0.2 miles away); Launching George May Sailing Ship, 1900

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 11, 2019

2. The Vinyard Shipbuilding Company Marker

(approx. 0.2 miles away); The Pea Crop, Waiting Their Turn (approx. 0.2 miles away); Railroad Depot, Junction & Breakwater Line (approx. 0.2 miles away); Milford Parks and Recreation Director… (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milford.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Liberty Tree Memorial (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Milford Shipyard Area Historic District - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form.

8 Columbia Street, "Vinyard Shipyard/Delaware Marine & Manufacturing Company."

a. combination office and warehouse - c. 1920; built in three sections; two end sections of rubble-faced concrete block; north section is 1-story, 5-bay, offset entrance; flat roof with cross gable over entrance on left opening; south section is 2-story, 3-bay, center entrance warehouse; flat roof; entrance is double garage doors; central section is smooth cinder block; 1-story, 3-bay center entrance, flat roof

(Submitted on April 24, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.)

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 11, 2019

3. The Vinyard Shipbuilding Company Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 806 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 13, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.