Yesterday
In 1768 a small community named Salisbury, or more popularly known as Duck Creek, was formed by farmers, merchants, and shippers on the banks of Duck Creek and near the crossroads of the major north-south road, The King’s Highway, and an east-west route connecting the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, The Maryland Road. The area was especially attractive for farming, timber and shipping due to its safe port just west of the Delaware Bay. In 1806, the village was renamed Smyrna after the thriving Turkish seaport of biblical times by an act of the Delaware Assembly. Seventy years later, busy Smyrna, with new wharves and warehouses, was a distinguished center noted for grain, lumber and peaches. The town’s center, originally extending one quarter mile in each direction from the crossroads, known still today as The Four Corners, has expanded through the years.
Throughout Smyrna’s history, its residents have celebrated the town’s rich architectural heritage and its historical downtown. Now Smyrna is a progressive modern community with an independent spirit and charm harkening back to those village days. Smyrna has retained much of its architectural integrity despite many challenges. The Smyrna Downtown Renaissance Association has committed itself to keeping that tradition alive for future generations.
Today
Discover the spirit of Smyrna. Friendly, gracious residents and shopkeepers, good food, live entertainment, historic architecture and the small town environment combine to evoke a sense of place. Family activities abound. The town’s strategic location makes Smyrna a popular stop on the way to the Delaware beaches. Situated only about ten minutes north of Dover, a half hour south of Wilmington, and within an easy drive from Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., Smyrna retains its small town atmosphere with a competitive location for business.
Citizens take great pride in their quality of life and their superior education system. Among towns with 5,000-15,000 population, Smyrna ranks high in the nation and the state. Explore historic Four Corners downtown. Enjoy personal service when you shop quaint stores featuring antique toys, collectibles, fine jewelry, local art, candles, herbs, and Delaware souvenirs and collectables. Take the self-guided walking tour of the historic architecture. See inside Smyrna’s finest historical homes during the annual Candlelight Walking Tour or join in the family fun at the Autumn in Duck Creek festivities. Better yet, enjoy a program at the restored Victorian opera house.
Take the kids for an ice cream cone or stop for a sandwich or a cool draft at a pub; stay for dinner.
And, it’s all tax free. You may discover Smyrna to be the perfect place to find that unique Christmas treasure for your special someone.
Tomorrow
We intend to develop community programs to retain and recruit businesses, working with merchants to ensure their success in an ever changing economy, partnering with the Town and other organizations, while serving the needs of our local residents.
Towards this end the Smyrna Downtown Renaissance Association works to strengthen the economic and cultural vitality of downtown while enhancing and preserving its historic character.