Sussex County, Delaware is located in the southeastern corner of the state and is home to a population of over 200,000 people. The county was established in 1683 and covers an area of 1,190 square miles. It is bordered by Maryland to the north and east, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and Kent County to the west. The county seat is located in Georgetown.
The geography of Sussex County consists mainly of coastal plains with gently rolling hills that are covered with a diverse array of vegetation including pine trees, hardwood forests, and grassy meadows. The area has numerous rivers and streams that flow into Delaware Bay or Indian River Bay including Nanticoke River, Broadkill River, Assawoman Creek, Pepper Creek, St. Jones River, Indian River and others.
The climate in Sussex County is characterized by hot summers with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during July and August while winters are generally mild with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing point. Annual precipitation averages around 43 inches per year while snowfall averages around 10 inches per year.
The terrain in Sussex County can be divided into three distinct regions: coastal plain region which occupies most of the county; piedmont region which includes western parts of Seaford; and upland region which includes eastern parts of Seaford as well as Laurel and Bethel areas.
Overall, Sussex County has a diverse landscape consisting mostly of flat terrain with some rolling hills that provide plenty of recreational activities for locals as well as visitors alike such as fishing or hunting along rivers or streams or exploring local parks like Trap Pond State Park or Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge where visitors can observe wildlife like bald eagles or white-tailed deer among others.
Country Seat and Other Main Cities of Sussex County, Delaware
The county seat of Sussex County is Georgetown, located in the center of the county. With a population of around 7,000 people, it is the largest city in the county. Georgetown is home to many historical buildings, including the Sussex County Courthouse and several landmarks dating back to colonial times such as the Coverdale House. The city also boasts a variety of shops and restaurants that cater to both locals and tourists alike.
Seaford is another major city located in Sussex County with a population of around 6,500 people. It is located in the western part of the county along Nanticoke River and serves as a hub for local businesses and industries. The city has several parks and recreational areas such as Seaford City Park that offer plenty of activities for locals to enjoy throughout the year. See cities in Delaware.
Laurel is located in eastern Sussex County with a population of over 4,000 people. It was founded by Quakers who were seeking religious freedom from England during colonial times and has since grown into a thriving community with plenty of shops and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. Laurel also hosts various festivals throughout the year such as Laurel’s Fourth of July Celebration which features fireworks displays, parades, food vendors, live music performances and more.
Finally, Bethel is located in southern Sussex County with a population of just over 2,000 people. This small town offers plenty for visitors to explore including its historic downtown area which hosts numerous shops and restaurants as well as Bethel Museum which houses artifacts from local history including Native American artifacts dating back thousands of years ago.
History of Sussex County, Delaware
Sussex County, Delaware, was first established in 1683 as part of the colony of New York. It was one of the original three counties in Delaware, along with Kent and New Castle. The county was named after Sussex, England and is the second-largest county in Delaware by area.
In 1776, during the American Revolution, Sussex County became a hotbed for revolutionary activity. Militias from the county were some of the first to respond to calls for help from General Washington and they played a major role in securing victory at the Battle of Trenton.
During the 19th century, Sussex County experienced rapid growth due to its fertile land and successful agricultural industry. In 1837, Georgetown became the county seat and many industries such as shipbuilding and canning began to flourish in towns like Seaford and Laurel. By 1900, Sussex County had become one of the most prosperous counties in Delaware with a population of over 25,000 people.
The 20th century saw an increase in tourism and population growth due to its close proximity to Rehoboth Beach which has since become one of Delaware’s most popular tourist destinations. Today Sussex County is home to over 200,000 people and continues to be a popular destination for tourists looking for outdoor recreation such as fishing or exploring the county’s many parks and nature trails.
Over the centuries Sussex County has played a major role in Delaware’s history and continues to be an important part of the state’s culture and economy. The county is home to numerous historic sites, parks, and museums that tell the story of its past and provide visitors with a glimpse into its rich history.
Economy of Sussex County, Delaware
The economy of Sussex County, Delaware, is largely based on agriculture and tourism. The county’s fertile soil and mild climate have made it a prime spot for agricultural production for centuries. Today, the county’s farmers produce a variety of crops including corn, soybeans, wheat, and tomatoes. The county is also home to many poultry farms which provide jobs to thousands of local residents.
In recent years, Sussex County has seen an increase in tourism due to its proximity to the beach resorts of Rehoboth Beach and Lewes. These resorts draw thousands of visitors every year looking for outdoor recreation such as swimming, fishing, and boating as well as shopping and dining at the local restaurants and stores. This influx of tourists has created jobs in the hospitality industry as well as other businesses that cater to visitors such as souvenir shops and tour companies.
In addition to agriculture and tourism, Sussex County is also home to several manufacturing companies which employ hundreds of local residents. These companies are involved in a variety of industries including aerospace engineering, automotive parts manufacturing, boat building, food processing plants, furniture production plants, pharmaceutical companies, and textiles factories.
The county also has several retail outlets which provide goods such as clothing stores and furniture stores as well as many service-based businesses like auto repair shops and hair salons. Sussex County is also home to numerous financial institutions which provide banking services to local residents including credit unions and banks with branches throughout the county.
Overall, Sussex County’s economy is diverse with a mix of industries providing employment opportunities for its citizens while still maintaining its agricultural roots which have been part of its identity since its founding over three hundred years ago.
