DELAWARE - The nation's First State, is known for its historic towns and beautiful coastal communities. While many have short, simple names like Dover or Lewes, a fun piece of local trivia often comes up: which Delaware town has the longest name? The answer is a tie between two well-known municipalities, one a bustling city and the other a charming beach town.
The Champions of Length: Wilmington & Rehoboth Beach
The distinction for the longest single-word, unhyphenated name of any incorporated municipality in Delaware is a tie between the state's largest city and one of its most popular resorts:
- Wilmington, Delaware:
- The Name: With ten letters, Wilmington is tied for the longest single-word town name in the state.
- Location & Vibe: Situated in New Castle County, Wilmington is Delaware's largest city and a central hub for corporate and banking activities. It boasts a rich history, a revitalized riverfront, and numerous cultural attractions. The name itself has historic roots, likely derived from Thomas Penn's naming it in honor of his friend Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington.
- Rehoboth Beach, Delaware:
- The Name: While "Rehoboth Beach" is a two-word phrase, the incorporated city's official name is often considered in its single-word form, "Rehoboth," which also has ten letters in some historical contexts, although it is now formally two words. For the sake of this trivia, its common usage and length place it in contention.
- Location & Vibe: A beloved beach resort town in Sussex County, Rehoboth Beach is known as "The Nation's Summer Capital." It's famous for its mile-long boardwalk, beautiful sandy beaches, tax-free shopping, and fantastic restaurant scene.
Other Long-Named Contenders:
While Wilmington and Rehoboth lead the pack for well-known spots, other Delaware towns also have impressively long names:
- Harrington: A village in Kent County with ten letters.
- Greenwood: A small town in Sussex County with nine letters.
- Slaughter Beach: While two words, it's one of the state's most uniquely named and longest-named communities.
While it may be a fun trivia debate, the title for the longest single-word town name in Delaware is held by its largest city, Wilmington, and arguably shared by its most famous beach town, Rehoboth. These names represent the diverse character of the First State, from its bustling economic hub in the north to its relaxed and beautiful coastal resorts in the south.
