Fall is the optimal season to hit the road on a scenic drive. Not only do the vibrant changing colors punctuate the perfect outing, but the moderate temperatures make for a comfortable setting. It’s the perfect time to take in all the sights and attractions you may have been overlooking, especially those draped in local lore, history, and nature.
Despite its diminutive size, Delaware has no shortage of options that fit the bill for all of the above. One of the best recommendations I can offer folks looking to take it all in via a convenient, easily navigated outing is to plan a drive down the Nanticoke Heritage Byway.
Spanning 40 miles in all, a drive down the Nanticoke Heritage Byway only takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend at each featured destination. As for said destinations, take note that you have plenty of pleasantries to explore. Remember, you may personalize your intended outing to meet your very own specific interests. For this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m offering a brief look at some of the historical sights and featured callouts to be found while driving the Nanticoke Heritage Byway.
A Bit About Nanticoke Heritage Byway
The route making up the Nanticoke Heritage Byway runs through Sussex County, alternating between farmlands, wooded areas, and charmingly quaint towns chock-full of fascinating history. Most attractions are contained in such locales as Seaford, Bethel, and Laurel, which are all historically renowned water routes. This accounts for why they were such major hubs of commerce and activity, like trading and shipbuilding, between the Colonial Era through the 19th century. Then came the emergence of railroads, bringing forth an increase in commerce for local oysters, produce, and more. And remember all those omnipresent natural wonders that remain recreational state highlights, which are also featured detours on the Byway as well. Perhaps you’ll even opt to get out of the car at these passage points for a bit of hiking, biking, picnicking, boating, or “ferrying” your vehicle over the waters of the one and only Nanticoke River! The options are yours, and the pickings are plentiful.
Points of Interest
Again, you choose your own destinations while driving the Nanticoke Heritage Byway. There’s so much to take in! Here are just a few time-tested favorites.
Nanticoke River
Serving as both the heart and namesake point of origin of the Nanticoke Heritage Byway, this is the longest tributary to the Chesapeake Bay. It runs through southern Kent County on through Sussex in Delaware, forming a boundary between Dorchester and Wicomico Counties in Maryland. The entire river is just under 65 miles.
The Nanticoke River is home to a wealth of recreational opportunities for visitors, and also serves as a fascinating historic site in its own right. According to a study paid for by the town of Vienna, evidence has been uncovered to support the idea that famed English explorer John Smith traveled these waters while visiting local Native American settlements.
Woodland Ferry/Cannon Hall
This historic cable ferry, which is still in operation today, dates back to the 1740s. Believed to be one of the oldest ferries in the nation, it was established by Jacob Cannon and originally known as Cannon’s Ferry. The Ferry is located in western Sussex County, spanning the Nanticoke River at Woodland, west of the city of Seaford.
The ferry remained in the Cannon Family through the mid-19th century, operating privately for their exclusive use starting in 1793. In 1935, the Delaware Department of Transportation assumed responsibility for all ferry operations and has continued to oversee operations ever since.
Cannon-Maston House
Also known as Cannon’s Savannah, this historic home near Seaford in Sussex County, Delaware, was constructed in 1727. It was enlarged in 1733 and stands out for its notable “Resurrection Manor” style. It is one of the oldest still-standing brick structures in Sussex County and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Governor Ross Mansion
Built in 1859, this historic Sussex County property once served as the home of Delaware’s 29th governor, Henry Harrison Ross, who served in his official role between 1851 and 1855. Later outed as a southern sympathizer during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln placed a bounty on his head, causing him to flee to England for the duration of the fighting.
A trip to the site today garners a well-preserved representation of regality and refinement characteristic of the mid-1850s. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and operates as a museum.
Old Christ Church
Attending a service at Old Christ Church near Laurel is akin to stepping back through time to the Revolutionary War era. Built in 1772, the original structure not only remains unaltered from its original state, but weekly church services are still conducted on location here during warmer months.
Hearns & Rawlins Mill
Constructed sometime during the 1880s, this historic grist mill can be found close to Seaford, Sussex County, Delaware. It was built on the approximate location of an older mill that was formerly established in 1820. It is a water-powered construct containing two overshot wheels, which were installed in 1912. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Invista
Did you know that Delaware is the birthplace of Nylon? What’s more, you can actually pass the “World’s First Nylon Plant” on your drive down the Nanticoke Heritage Byway.
Nylon was invented just before World War II at the former DuPont Plant, which was built in 1939. During the war, Nylon was used to make military parachutes, mosquito netting, tents, and other goods, so operations were pretty crucial to say the least. DuPont changed the name and other portions of its business to INVISTA by 2004, but you can still see the plant where it all started while driving the route, or even while golfing at Hooper’s Landing Golf Course.
Seaford Museum
For the quintessential, multifaceted history stop, there is the Seaford Museum. Housed within the old United States Post Office, the museum details all the historic highlights of Sussex County, Delaware, throughout multiple timelines in history. Exhibits are versatile and can keep the interests of all visitors accordingly.
This is but a sampling of the myriad sites and sights to behold while venturing the Nanticoke Heritage Byway. Explore the area for yourself to personalize your own ideal car trip down memory lane!