Delmar | USA Delaware

Delmar is an incorporated town in Sussex County, situated directly on the border between Delaware and Maryland. Known as "The Little Town Too Big for One State," it is defined by its unique status as a twin-city with Delmar, Maryland, its deep railroad heritage, and its identity as a critical agricultural and racing hub in the Delmarva Peninsula.

Historical Timeline

Inhabited by the Nanticoke people. Founded in 1859 with the arrival of the Delaware Railroad. The town was named as a portmanteau of Delaware and Maryland. A critical historical event occurred in 1892 and 1901 when massive fires destroyed much of the downtown, leading to the brick architecture seen today. In the 20th century, it was a vital "division point" for the railroad, housing a large roundhouse and maintenance shops. In the 21st century, Delmar has evolved into a residential and recreational destination, buoyed by the regional popularity of the U.S. 13 Dragway.

Demographics & Population

The population on the Delaware side is approximately 2,300 (combined town population ~5,500). The demographics are White (65%), Black or African American (22%), and Hispanic or Latino (8%). The economy is driven by agriculture, regional retail, and automotive services.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Delmar is organized along a grid bisected by the Trans-Peninsular Line (State Street), which serves as the physical border between Delaware and Maryland.

State Street: The "Main Street" of the town where one side of the street is in Delaware and the other is in Maryland.

The Railroad District: Located near the center of town, featuring historic sites related to the Pennsylvania Railroad heritage.

US-13 Corridor: The primary commercial zone featuring regional shopping centers and high-volume traffic.

Delmar Middle/High Campus: A unique bi-state school district where students from both states attend the same facility.

Top City Landmarks

Highball Signal: One of the last remaining railroad highball signals in the United States, located in the town park.

U.S. 13 Dragway & Delaware International Speedway: A major regional motorsports complex located just north of town.

Delmar Heritage Museum: Housed in a historic bank building, documenting the town’s rail and agricultural history.

The Mason-Dixon Line Marker: A historic stone monument located near the town limits marking the original 1763 boundary survey.

Old Christ Church: Located just outside town, an 18th-century unpainted wooden church that is a National Historic Landmark.

Transportation Network

Movement is automotive-centric. The town is a major stop on US-13, the primary north-south artery of the Delmarva Peninsula. Public transit is limited to DART First State regional connectors. Commercial air service is accessed via Salisbury Regional (SBY), 15 km south, or BWI Marshall, 160 km northwest.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is moderate to high. Property crime is typical for a border town with high transit traffic. There are no definitive "red zones," though standard awareness is advised along the US-13 commercial strips at night. Environmental hazards include low-lying flood risk during heavy coastal storms.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Internet speeds average 300+ Mbps with fiber and cable availability via Xfinity and Mediacom. Main mobile carriers are Verizon and AT&T. Card acceptance is universal. There is no sales tax in Delaware, making the Delaware side of the street a primary shopping destination for Maryland residents.

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from -1°C to 7°C in winter and 20°C to 31°C in summer. The climate is humid subtropical, heavily influenced by the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. Air quality is consistently high.

Culture & Social Norms

The standard tipping percentage is 20%. A "Small-Town/Rural" greeting is standard. Dress codes are "Casual." The city is culturally defined by its Railroad History, its Motorsports Culture, and its unique "Two States, One Town" governance.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: $4.00 (USD)

1 Standard Lunch: $14.00 (USD)

1 Dragway Admission: $15.00–$25.00.

Nearby Day Trips

Salisbury, MD: (10 km south; home to Salisbury University and the Salisbury Zoo).

Ocean City, MD: (55 km east; a major Atlantic resort destination).

Trap Pond State Park: (15 km north; featuring the northernmost natural stand of bald cypress in the U.S.).

Facts & Legends

Delmar is the site of a unique school system where the Middle/High School building is located in Delaware, but serves students from Maryland through a formal interstate agreement. Historically, it was the "End of the Line" for the Delaware Railroad for several years. A local legend involves the "Phantom Train of Delmar," a spectral steam engine said to be heard whistling through the town on foggy nights. Another legend concerns the "Mason-Dixon Ghost," a surveyor said to haunt the boundary line near the town's western edge.