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Milford, DE

Frequently asked questions

Milford, DE

Milford is a city in Kent and Sussex counties in the U.S. state of Delaware. The Kent County portion of Milford is part of the Dover, DE Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Philadelphia-Reading-Camden, PA-NJ-DE-MD Combined Statistical Area, while the Sussex County portion is part of the Salisbury, MD-DE Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The Kent County side of Milford was first settled in 1680 by Henry Bowan on what was known as the Saw Mill Range. A century later the Reverend Sydenham Thorne built a dam across the Mispillion River to generate power for his gristmill and sawmill. Around the same time, Joseph Oliver laid out the first city streets and plots nearby on a part of his plantation. Soon several homes and businesses appeared along Front Street. The city was incorporated on February 5, 1807.

In the 1770s, a shipbuilding industry was already flourishing on the Mispillion River. Shipbuilding continued to be the major industry of Milford through World War I, bringing considerable prosperity to the town. The high point came in 1917 when the four-masted, 174-foot (53 m) long Albert F. Paul was launched from the William G. Abbott shipyard. At one point six shipyards were operating in the downtown area. When the last of the area's giant white oaks were cut in the 1920s, the shipyards quickly went out of business, although the Mispillion ships sailed on for many years. (The Paul was sunk by a German torpedo in 1942 while sailing from the Bahamas.) The Vineyard shipyard was called into service in both World War I and II to build submarine chasers.

The healthcare sector plays a vital role in Milford, with the Bayhealth Sussex Campus serving as a prominent medical facility. The city is known for its health and wellness centers and services. Milford Wellness Village is a comprehensive wellness center offering a range of services including fitness classes, nutrition counseling, massage therapy, and holistic wellness programs. Delaware Integrative Wellness Center focuses on integrative approaches to health and wellness, including acupuncture, chiropractic care, yoga classes, and stress management programs. Bayside Wellness offers a range of wellness services such as fitness assessments, personal training, nutritional coaching, and group fitness classes. Milford Regional Medical Center is a part of the Bayhealth system, providing comprehensive healthcare services including primary care, specialty care, surgery, and emergency services. Delaware Veterans Home is a long-term care facility providing skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services for veterans.

The top sites in Milford, DE are the Milford Museum, Mispillion Riverwalk, and Abbott's Mill Nature Center.

Population: 11,190 (2020). ZIP Code: 19963. Area code: 302. Elevation: 13 ft (4 m). Incorporated: February 5, 1807. Area: 9.94 sq mi (25.75 km2).

FAQs

What is Milford, DE known for?

During much of the twentieth century, Milford served primarily as the commercial center for much of southern Delaware's large agricultural community. Today Milford's historic downtown has become a renewed center of community life hosting upmarket boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and a community theatre. Celebrating the importance of the Mispillion River, downtown Milford is host to several regional events each year including the Riverwalk Freedom Festival and the Bug & Bud Festival.  Residents and visitors alike can enjoy the natural resource as they walk, bike, or run along the Mispillion Riverwalk, a series of pedestrian and bicycle paths that hug the banks of the Mispillion River.

How did Milford, DE get its name?

Northern Milford, established in 1787 on the site of plantations settled about 1680, was named for a gristmill and sawmill built on the river; southern Milford was laid out in 1819. Shipping and shipbuilding were important factors in the community’s early growth. Milford is now a processing and shipping point for poultry and seafood. Manufacturers include dental supplies. Many historic buildings have been preserved, including the Parson Thorne Mansion, which was built in the 1730s. 

What makes Milford, DE a historical place?

This picturesque community brims with historical ambiance: The town includes three historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places; an outstanding local museum in a former Post Office; the landmark Parson Thorne Mansion; and the recently restored Vineyard Shipyard. The Delaware History Trail sign is located on North Walnut St., next to Riverfront Theatre (2 North Walnut Street). Enjoy events like the Bud & Bug Festival; Eat In The Streets and the Annual St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl. Known for its unique restaurants and boutiques, Milford sits on the banks of the Mispillion River and straddles both central and southern Delaware. 

Sources

City of Milford

Wikipedia

Visit Delaware

Britannica 

Milford Museum

Mispillion Riverwalk

Abbott's Mill Nature Center

Bayhealth Sussex Campus

Milford Wellness Village

Delaware Integrative Wellness Center

Bayside Wellness

Milford Regional Medical Center

Delaware Veterans Home 

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