Georgetown in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Return Day

Photographed By Maggie Lora, January 1, 2005

1. Return Day Marker

Inscription. This event draws thousands as winning and losing candidates joining in celebration on the Thursday following each general election. Poor traveling conditions and interest in the outcome of political contests may have resulted in an extended stay when all elections were held here. Creation of voting districts in 1811 required the meeting of a Board of Canvass on Thursdays to determine “returns” for the county. Proclamation of results continues to highlight this festive occasion. Well-established by the mid-19th century, Return Day is recognized as the only event of its kind in the nation.

Erected by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-85.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1811.

Location. 38° 41.397′ N, 75° 23.136′ W. Marker is in Georgetown, Delaware, in Sussex County. Marker is at the intersection of The Circle (U.S. 9) and Bedford and Market Streets, on the left on The Circle. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Georgetown DE 19947, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sussex County Vietnam Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); W.W.I

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Relocation of the County Seat (within shouting distance of this marker); “Pettijohn’s Old Field” (within shouting distance of this marker); Sussex County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Georgetown.

Also see . . . Local Legacies: Return Day. (Submitted on July 1, 2006.)

Return Day Marker, new paint scheme in 2011 on The Circle (US 9) at Market Street. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 18, 2011

2. Return Day Marker, new paint scheme in 2011 on The Circle (US 9) at Market Street.

Sussex County Courthouse seen in background

Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2006, by Maggie Lora of Kensington, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,934 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on July 1, 2006, by Maggie Lora of Kensington, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on July 1, 2006, by Maggie Lora of Kensington, Maryland. 2. submitted on October 25, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.