Belltown, Delaware

Belltown is an unincorporated community in Sussex County, Delaware, United States. Belltown is located along U.S. Route 9, 5.5 miles (8.9 km) west-northwest of Rehoboth Beach.

Belltown, Delaware
Unincorporated community
Belltown is located in Delaware
Belltown
Belltown
Belltown is located in the United States
Belltown
Belltown
Coordinates: 38°44′49″N 75°10′41″W
CountryUnited States
StateDelaware
CountySussex
Elevation
[1]
26 ft (8 m)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
Area code302
GNIS feature ID213630[1]

History

Belltown was founded about 1840 by Jacob Bell, a "free colored man." Under Delaware law, a person of color was one identified as being of one-sixteenth or more non-European stock. This included not only African Americans and persons of racially mixed ancestry, but Native Americans, such as the Nanticoke people. Although nearby Lewes, the oldest town in Sussex County, had its own clearly defined minority neighborhoods, Belltown represents the first successful effort to create a separate community. Most of the residents of Belltown were dependent upon the nearby town for their livelihoods. Some, however, including the owners of the Norwood House, have been substantial landowners and the heirs of families who have owned their own farms at least since the early 19th century.[2]

References
  1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Belltown, Delaware
  2. Richard B. Carter, Phyllis A. Hastings (December 1981). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Norwood House". and Accompanying five photos


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