In Delaware, you don’t need to travel far to find a place with a name that raises an eyebrow or piques curiosity.

While some states boast straightforward town or city names like Springfield or Washington, Delaware’s map reads more like an eclectic short story collection. According to WorldAtlas.com, these seven uniquely named communities in Delaware, spread across the state’s three counties, often catch visitors by surprise and spark curiosity about their origins.

From Slaughter Beach to Pot-Nets, Delaware’s quirky town names tell tales of the First State’s rich history, each one a window into the region’s colonial past, maritime heritage and rural traditions.

Slaughter Beach, a coastal sanctuary

Perhaps the most striking example of an unusual name on the map is Slaughter Beach, a tiny coastal community of about 220 residents, along the Delaware Bay. Founded in 1681, the town’s name origins remain unclear; however, there are several theories on the town’s website.

The most straightforward theory speculates the name is connected to “Slaughter Neck,” an area located just southwest of the town. In colonial Delaware, “neck” commonly referred to elevated terrain between two boundaries. Another explanation points to a former postmaster named Slaughter. A more dramatic account suggests that the name refers to the springtime spawning of horseshoe crabs. When these crabs are stranded upside down and dying in the sun, they are said to resemble a ”slaughter” of crabs. A darker local legend tells of settlers ambushing Native American leaders during peace talks by asking them to gather around a cannon they claimed was their “god.”

Today, the town offers a peaceful retreat along the Delaware Bay. Known for its environmental conservation efforts, it serves as a sanctuary for horseshoe crabs.

Broadkill Beach’s Dutch roots and natural beauty

Just north of Slaughter Beach lies Broadkill Beach, whose name nods to its Dutch origins. Nestled along the Delaware Bay, the town offers picturesque waterfront views and easy access to the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a popular spot for birdwatching and kayaking. The town comes alive during its Fourth of July festivities, drawing locals and visitors alike with fireworks and family-friendly events.

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Corner Ketch is still a mystery

Tucked near the Pennsylvania-Delaware border, how Corner Ketch got its name is still a mystery. According to World Atlas, some believe the name comes from the French word cache, meaning “hiding place,” while others trace it to an old English term for a tavern. An unincorporated area of New Castle County, Corner Ketch offers few commercial attractions providing visitors a glimpse into the county’s quieter side.

Gumboro, formerly known for gum trees

Located near the Maryland border, Gumboro stays true to its agricultural roots. The town’s name may stem from the white gum trees once common in the area. History buffs can explore the West Woods Methodist Episcopal Church, which dates back to the 1800s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Gumboro Community Center, housed in a former school, serves as a hub for local events and gatherings.

Bacons: A slice of railroad history

Bacons, a small outpost in Sussex County, earned its name not from breakfast meat but from its founding family. The town, also known as Bacons Switch, honors the Bacon family, early settlers who built a sawmill and basket-making business. Its railroad heritage lives on through its name, referencing the “switch point” where trains once connected nearby towns Laurel and Delmar.

Wyoming: East not west

Despite its Western-sounding name, Wyoming is firmly rooted in the Mid-Atlantic. In 1856, “Camden Station” or “West Camden” was renamed Wyoming to honor the Rev. John J. Pierce, a pastor who helped plan and later led a church in the town. Pierce was originally from the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania.

Wyoming later grew into an agricultural center, notably for cultivating apples and peaches. Today, the town hosts an annual Peach Festival, held downtown on the aptly named Railroad Avenue.

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Pot-Nets: A nod to coastal traditions

Rounding out Delaware’s collection of distinctive place names is Pot-Nets. The unusual moniker comes from the pots and nets used to catch crabs and other shellfish in Indian River Bay. Today, the area is a waterfront community offering scenic views of the bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Visitors can enjoy boating, crabbing, and scenic strolls along Pot-Nets Point, a popular local spot also known as Lingos Point.

You can contact Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.