Ghost Towns in Delaware

Beyond the famous names lies a deeper map: Delaware holds 8 documented ghost towns. Mill villages, iron towns, and canal-era settlements make up the Northeast's ghost towns, most reclaimed by forest within a generation. Standouts include Banning, Glenville, New Market, Owens Station, Saint Johnstown, and dozens more.

The heaviest concentrations sit in Sussex County, New Castle County, Kent County, where settlements rose — and fell — in quick succession. Most of these towns have not had their on-the-ground condition verified, so consider this directory a starting point for research rather than a final word. Access information is limited for many of these towns, so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting any site.

Use the status and access filters below to narrow the list, or search for a specific town by name.