St. Johnsbury Welcome Center | St Johnsbury

The Circle is a historic public square located in the center of Georgetown, Delaware.

Visual Characteristics

The Circle is an approximately 100-foot diameter paved roundabout. At its center stands a granite monument, approximately 30 feet in height, topped with a statue of a soldier. The monument is surrounded by a low stone wall. The perimeter of the Circle is lined with mature trees, primarily oak and maple, providing shade. Surrounding the Circle are various historic buildings, including the Sussex County Courthouse, constructed of red brick with white trim and a central clock tower.

Location & Access Logistics

The Circle is situated at the intersection of US Route 9 (Market Street) and Delaware Route 18 (Front Street) in Georgetown, DE. It is the central point of the town. Ample street parking is available on the roads immediately surrounding the Circle, with additional parking lots located within a 2-block radius. Georgetown is accessible via US Route 13 and US Route 9. Public transport options are limited; Georgetown is served by limited local bus routes, with stops typically a few blocks from the Circle.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Circle was established as the town center and courthouse square in 1791 when Georgetown was laid out as the county seat of Sussex County. The central monument was erected in 1909 to commemorate local Civil War veterans. The area is not of significant ecological origin, being a planned urban space.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the Civil War monument. The surrounding area is used for community events and farmers' markets. Walking the perimeter of the Circle and viewing the historic architecture of the surrounding buildings are primary activities. The Sussex County Historical Society Museum is located adjacent to the Circle.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Public restrooms are available within the Sussex County Courthouse during business hours. Shade is provided by the mature trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this central location. Food vendors are not permanently stationed at the Circle, but nearby businesses on Market Street offer dining options.

Best Time to Visit

For photography of the monument and surrounding buildings, early morning or late afternoon light offers optimal illumination. The best months for visiting are April through October, offering pleasant weather for outdoor observation. No tide considerations apply.

Facts & Legends

A local legend suggests that the original town charter specified the Circle's dimensions based on the length of a specific horse's stride, though this is unsubstantiated. The granite for the central monument was quarried in Concord, New Hampshire.

Nearby Landmarks

• Sussex County Courthouse (0km North)
• Sussex County Historical Society Museum (0.1km West)
• Georgetown Public Library (0.2km South)
• Bethel AME Church (0.3km East)