Above: An aerial view of Clinton Street & Battery Park as it flows into the Delaware River.
By Mary Ellen Mitchell
Photos by Joe del Tufo
Founded in 1801, at the junction of the Delaware River and Chesapeake and Delaware (C & D) Canal, Delaware City is a town rich in history and full of charm.
Delaware City’s founders and planners, brothers Daniel and William Newbold, recognized the potential for the locale, anticipating growth that would surpass the size and prominence of Philadelphia, as both a port and city.
Before the 14-mile C & D Canal opened for navigation in 1829, ships traveling between Baltimore and Philadelphia had to navigate 300 miles around the Delmarva Peninsula. As early as 1661, Dutch settlers recognized the need for a waterway to link the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware River.
Beginning in 1802, a two-year effort to excavate the C & D Canal stalled as funding dwindled until 1824, when a company backed by private, state and federal funding was formed. With design assistance from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, thousands of men toiled for five years using pickaxes and shovels to connect Delaware City to Chesapeake City, creating a waterway shortcut of incalculable value.
A system of four locks, operated by workers who tended them, relied on steam-powered water wheels and a pumping station in Chesapeake City to help ships navigate, by lifting them up or down to the next level on the canal.
Clinton Street has seen a major uptick in new businesses over the past few years.
Nearly six million locally grown peaches were shipped by steamboat from Delaware City in 1845, which led to a national boom in popularity of the fruit, which lasted more than three decades.
When the Delaware and Pennsylvania Railroad Company laid tracks in Delaware City in 1870, the effect was initially positive, offering a more efficient way to deliver peaches and other natural resources to the west. By the turn of the 20th century, railroad distribution dominated, and Delaware City’s viability as a shipping port diminished.
The U.S. government purchased and further excavated the canal in 1919, which eliminated the need for locks. They moved the eastern terminus two miles south to Reedy Point in 1927, to accommodate larger ships, but it meant that far fewer travelers could disembark to shop, dine, and stay in town.
A virus called peach yellows, novel in 1880 and not well understood, destroyed most of the local orchards.
Given these changes, Delaware City never reached the size or status of a city, but the early success of the riverport town had an undeniable influence on the development of commerce in our nation’s history.
With a nod to this history, Delaware’s state flower is the peach blossom, and the state food is peach pie.
A welcoming sign in Delaware’s City Battery Park.
Delaware City Today
One aspect that hasn’t changed over the past 100 years is the slow pace of life that residents have enjoyed in this tight-knit community, even when the Delaware City Refinery set up along the river in 1956.
Delaware City also is a destination on the Underground Railroad Byway, a scenic route that follows the known locations where slaves found safety on their route to freedom.
The historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, includes 250 buildings constructed from 1826 to 1930, representing a variety of architectural styles, including Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian, which help tell the town’s story.
To revitalize the area as a historic destination, Governor John Carney designated Delaware City as a Downtown Development District in 2019, which helped facilitate the preservation of historic buildings. Over the past decade, investors, developers, and entrepreneurs have placed a solid bet on the town, and momentum is beginning to build.
For a selection of some of the creative enterprises you will see on a stroll through Delaware City, read on:
A view down Clinton Street in Delaware City.
Fort Delaware State Park
On Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River, a half-mile east of Battery Park, lies Fort Delaware. This imposing granite compound is surrounded by a foreboding moat. Its walls, between 7- and 30-feet thick, held Confederate prisoners during the Civil War. Fort Delaware also was part of a three-port defense system, which included Fort DuPont, also in Delaware City, and Fort Mott, in Pennsville, New Jersey, which served to protect the cities north along the Delaware River. From the dock in Battery Park, catch the Delafort Ferry for a tour and civil war re-enactments. If you meet a ghost, please be respectful. You’re a guest.
— DeStateParks.com/History/FortDelaware
The Eastern Lock of The C & D Canal
A single lock remains preserved in history and also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “Harriet Tubman passed through this lock in 1856, on one of her best documented and most daring freedom missions, known as ‘The Tilly Escape,” says Debbie Martin of the Delaware Underground Railroad Coalition.
— Archives.Delaware.gov
Crabby Dick’s
A sidewalk sign that reads, “Come on in, Hon,” is an invitation too playful to ignore. Crabby Dick’s occupies the first floor of the Delaware City Hotel, another historic building on the National Register of Historic Places. A large outdoor deck offers a lovely view of the Delaware River and a delightful breeze. Select from a variety of humorously named crab dishes, as well as burgers, “sammiches,” soups and salads, and all the drinks. On your way out, you can pick up Crabby Dick’s Creamery Fudge (16 flavors) and fun crab-themed merchandise.
— Crabby-dicks.com
(30 Clinton St.)
The Ice Cream Parlor
If you said no to dessert at Crabby Dick’s, you could change your mind next door at the Ice Cream Parlor, featuring Crabby Dick’s Creamery ice cream and desserts. With 10 delicious flavors, imagine the possibilities. Order a hand-dipped single, double or cone — or try the new “Clawsome Crabshake.” The Ice Cream Parlor also offers flavored coffees, takeout, and outdoor seating on bright and inviting pink chairs.
—Scoop-a-licious.com
(32 Clinton St.)
Artworth Creations
Ainsworth McKend at his gallery, Artworth Creations.
Experience the art of Ainsworth McKend, an inspiring artist from Guyana, South America, who works in a range of styles from cubism to impressionism. He’ll gladly show you around the gallery, where hundreds of paintings and one-of-a kind statement pieces of handcrafted jewelry, drinkware, and greeting cards are on display and available for purchase. And, he offers layaway. McKend also hosts paint-and-sip parties. Even if you’ve never picked up a brush, he’ll help you and your group master self-expression through art while having a whole lot of fun.
— ArtworthCreations.com
(36 Clinton St.)
Yellow Door Spa & Boutique
Self-care awaits behind the yellow door, where you’ll experience the healing power of massage to rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit. In this recently renovated historic space, the vibe is inviting and serene. You’ll leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and renewed, and possibly holding a bag of new skincare products, candles, or jewelry, handcrafted by small business partners from all over the state.
— Site under construction
(302.772-2012; 38 Clinton St.)
Pastel Pedals
You can explore by bike courtesy of Pastel Pedals.
The aesthetically pleasing lineup of pastel cruiser bicycles creates an aura of possibility at Delaware’s first bike share company. With every bike you rent from Pastel Pedals, a tree will be planted as part of a global reforestation project. The rental process is self-serve. Simply scan the barcode at the entrance, and download the Pastel Pedals app. Select your bike, featuring airless, flat-proof tires. Pay with the solar-powered card reader, and off you go.
— PastelPedals.com
(42 Clinton St)
Delaware City Trading Company
Scott Demaczak pictured here at Delaware City Trading Company, where you can find a little bit of everything. Demczak also owns and operates The Saltbox.
This modern-day interpretation of a general store features regional and organic food products and specialty snacks and beverages, including coffee and tea. You’ll also find an impressive selection of nostalgic candy that’s sure to bring back childhood memories, and vintage toys that encourage kids to use their hands. Take all the time you want browsing local history books, unique home décor, Simply Southern clothing and accessories, and Delaware City souvenirs. Tables in the front of the store provide the perfect spot for coffee and conversation.
— DelawareCityTradingCompany.com
(62 Clinton St.)
The Saltbox
The Saltbox has become a fixture on historic Clinton Street.
A Delaware Today Best of Delaware past winner of in the home decor store category, this beautiful shop offers unique beach and nautical themed home goods, perfect for that empty corner or blank wall on the boat, beach or lake house, or really, any home that could use a peaceful, beachy accent. Be sure to check out the tote bags made of sailcloth that you didn’t know you needed.
— TheSaltBoxDE.com
(70 Clinton St.)
The Cake Sisters
Where customers are part of their family, the affable and talented sisters of all things sweet will bring your vision to life using only the finest fresh ingredients. From gorgeous, multi-tiered wedding cakes and desserts to breakfast trays for your morning meeting, they deliver — literally and figuratively. You can select from a variety of delicious creations such as crème brulee, brownies, cupcakes, cookies, and scones — or go online to request nearly anything you can imagine, custom-made to sweeten up your next party or event.
— TheCakeSisters.com
(88 Clinton St.)
Sabatina’s Sandwiches
Emily Dominick of popular sandwich shop Sabatina’s.
Although this new deli and caterer hasn’t even been in business for a full second year, it has already garnered hundreds of rave reviews. According to one recent customer, Sabatina’s has, “the best hoagies and cheesesteaks in the area,” and there seems to be a consensus. The eatery recently earned a First State Favorites Community’s Choice Award in the Best Sub/Deli/Sandwich Shop, Best Caterer/Catering Company, and Best Cheesestake categories. One of its most popular creations is the chicken cutlet Italiano.
— Sabatinas.com
(94 Clinton St.)
Petit Social Studio
Searching for a stunning venue for your wedding, baby shower, or luncheon? Petit Social Studio, located on the first floor of the historic and iconic Central Hotel/Sterling’s Tavern building, was recently renovated and repurposed into impressive event space and photography studio. With indoor and outdoor seating, guests can take in an incredible view of the branch canal and watch the pleasure craft make their way to the pristine docks of the quaint Delaware City Marina.
— PetitSocialStudio.com
(85 Clinton St.)
Honey Salon
Also located in the Central Hotel/Sterling’s Tavern building is Honey Salon, a beauty collective in which each stylist operates as an independent business. From luxurious hair treatments to professional makeup artistry, Honey Spa is a place to treat yourself or a loved one to top-tier beauty services. Honey Bridal, a subsection of the collective, is a place for the bride and wedding party to relax and get glam for the big day next door at Petit Social.
— HoneySalonllc.com
(92 Clinton St., Floors 1 – 3)
Fort DuPont
A lively military base from the Civil War through World War II, Fort Dupont was part of a three-port defense system, which included Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island, and Fort Mott, in Pennsville, New Jersey, which served to protect the cities north along the Delaware River. The fort also housed thousands of German prisoners-of-war, who performed various duties around the base. Fort DuPont was decommissioned in 1946 and sold to the state. In 1992, about a third of the property that hugs the riverbank was designated as Fort Delaware State Park, where visitors can walk along the River View Trail and enjoy a picnic lunch or spend the afternoon fishing or boating. On the section with pleasure craft access to the branch canal and marina, new homes that blend in quite nicely were recently constructed, sold, and occupied. The state has recently forged ahead with adaptive re-use of remaining historic buildings on the property. Plans are also in the works for an RV park and campground resort along the waterways, as well as additional new housing.
— DelawareStateParks.com
Earthmommy Florals
This delightful flower and gift shop is a convenient stop on your way in or out of town, where you’ll discover a unique selection of high-end gifts, including fine jewelry, perfume, and gourmet chocolates, to name a few. You can also order the perfect custom arrangement for any event, including weddings and all kinds of celebrations from large to small, for pick up or delivery.
—EarthmommyFlowers.com
(502 Fifth St.)
Kathy’s Crab House and Family Restaurant
Kathy’s Crab House and Crabby Dick’s provides locals and visiting seafood lovers with two tasty options.
With a lighthouse façade and a down-home atmosphere, Kathy’s is a casual eatery where the kids’ menu is always available. Featuring Maryland blue crabs fresh from the Chester River, Kathy’s hearty, homemade recipies have earned a reputation for the best homemade crab cakes in the area, with plenty of non-seafood options as well, such as cheesesteaks, subs, soups and salads.
—KathysCrabHouse.com
(107 Fifth St.)
Delaware City Marina
Delaware City Marina looking west.
You’ll receive a warm welcome at the docks of this full-service marina on the Branch Canal, which is open to all kinds of pleasure craft. If you’re looking for great conversation or have any questions about Delaware City, stop in and say hello to the operators, technicians and staff. In addition to boat service, fuel and rentals, you’ll find all the parts and equipment you could need in the Ship’s Store, along with ice, drinks and snacks. Splurge in Red’s Gear & Gifts for fun, nautical novelties. Stroll along the promenade to check out the elegant lineup of docked boats: a lovely scene you won’t soon forget.
— DelawareCityMarina.biz
(302 Clinton St.)
The Michael N. Castle Trail
You can walk, bike, rollerblade, or push a stroller or wheelchair along this 12.7-mile paved trail, accessible from the Branch Canal Trail, which you can pick up in Battery Park or next to Kathy’s Crab House on Route 9. As you cross into Maryland, you’ll connect to the 1.8-mile Ben Cardin Trail, for a total of 14.5 miles end-to-end. Take in beautiful views of ships on the canal and listen for the quiet sounds from the estuary marshes, inhabited by a variety of wildlife, including rare avian species. Be sure to bring your binoculars.
— TrailLink.com
For more, visit DelawareCity.com.
