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

Relocation of the County Seat

Photographed By Maggie Lora, June 24, 2006

1. Relocation of the County Seat Marker

Inscription.
The conflicting claims of the proprietors of Maryland and Pennsylvania resulted in a lengthy and sometimes violent dispute concerning the ownership and boundaries of Sussex County. Residents who had been Marylanders before the controversy was resolved in 1775, found themselves to be inconvenienced when traveling to Lewes, the original seat of government. Hundreds of persons signed petitions requesting removal of the county seat to a more central location. On January 29, 1791, the Delaware Assembly approved legislation resulting in the establishment of Georgetown. (Marker Number SC-88.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Political Subdivisions. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1811.

Location. 38° 41.408′ N, 75° 23.187′ 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 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chad E. Spicer (within shouting distance of this marker); The Brick Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); “Pettijohn’s Old Field” (within shouting distance of this

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marker); W.W.I (within shouting distance of this marker); Return Day (within shouting distance of this marker); Sussex County Korean War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); George Alfred Townsend Birthplace (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sussex County Vietnam Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Georgetown.

Also see . . .
1. About Sussex County. County website entry (Submitted on July 1, 2006.)

2. Delaware. Wikipedia history (Submitted on March 29, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

3. The Mason-Dixon Line: What Is It? Where is it? Why is it Important?. History Cooperative website entry (Submitted on March 29, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Relocation of the County Seat Marker with new paint scheme in 2011, at the Market Street Circle image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 18, 2011

2. Relocation of the County Seat Marker with new paint scheme in 2011, at the Market Street Circle

Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2006, by Maggie Lora of Kensington, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,245 times since then and 35 times this year. Last updated on April 19, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. 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. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the repainted sign. • Can you help?