Delaware’s Quirky and Confounding Town Names
Delaware may be the second smallest state in the U.S., but it packs quite a punch when it comes to quirky and unusual town names. Some places are so oddly named that your GPS might hesitate before giving you directions. These towns often have fascinating origins, rich local history, or simply names that challenge phonetics and spelling. Here are 10 Delaware town names that will make you stop, smile, and maybe second-guess your navigation system.
1. Slaughter Beach
Despite the grim-sounding name, Slaughter Beach is a quaint coastal town along the Delaware Bay. The name’s origin is debated; some believe it references the large spring spawning of horseshoe crabs, which appear almost “slaughtered” when stranded in the sun. Others link it to colonial history or a local postmaster named Slaughter.
2. Pot-Nets
Named after the pots and nets used for crabbing in nearby Indian River Bay, Pot-Nets has a nautical charm that’s reflected in its name. This waterside community offers scenic views and peaceful surroundings, despite the unusual hyphenated moniker that can confuse GPS systems.
3. Bacons
Not about breakfast, Bacons is a small town named after an early settler family, known as Bacons Switch due to its historic railway links. The name often raises eyebrows but tells a story of Delaware’s rural and railroad heritage.
4. Wyoming
This small town’s name might make you think of the western state, but Wyoming, Delaware, was named after a reverend from the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania. It serves as an agricultural hub famed for peaches and apples, far removed in culture and geography from its namesake.
5. Corner Ketch
This name conjures images of a spooky or mysterious place where something “gets caught around the corner.” Its origins are unclear, but it adds a whimsical note among Delaware’s towns.
6. Gumboro
Often causing puzzled looks, Gumboro is a small Sussex County community with a name that brings to mind “gumbo,” though it has no culinary connection. It reflects the rural charm of the area.
7. Hoars Addition
A lesser-known place with a name that might cause a double take, Hoars Addition is located in Kent County. It exemplifies how historical family names and land divisions contribute to Delaware’s unique town listings.
8. Cowgills Corner
Another intriguing name from Kent County, Cowgills Corner has an almost comical ring but carries historical significance dating back to the early 1900s. Its small population and quiet roads make it a curious find for travelers.
9. Midnight Thicket
This evocative name sounds like a location from a thriller novel. Located in Sussex County, it has a mysterious aura that contrasts with Delaware’s generally calm rural landscape.
10. Swallow Hill
A gentle, pastoral name that’s both whimsical and easy to mishear, Swallow Hill is a peaceful Delaware locale whose name suggests tranquility but could bemuse those unfamiliar with it.
Why These Names Matter
Delaware’s weird and wonderful town names reflect its rich colonial history, local geography, and diverse cultural narratives. While the names may challenge GPS and first-time visitors, they invite curiosity and discovery, encouraging travelers to look closer at the stories behind the signs.
More Than Just Names on a Map
Delaware’s out-of-the-ordinary town names like Slaughter Beach, Pot-Nets, and Wyoming are more than just fun or confusing—they represent snapshots of history, nature, and identity unique to the First State. Next time your GPS hesitates, take a moment to enjoy the local charm hidden in these delightful designations.
Sources
[1](https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/7-bizarrely-named-towns-in-delaware.html)
[2](https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/7-delaware-town-names-double-090424809.html)
[3](https://wjbr.com/2023/08/16/delawares-dirtiest-sounding-town-names/)
[4](https://www.reddit.com/r/Delaware/comments/1f71sv1/a_cool_guide_to_the_most_oddly_named_town_in_each/)
