Greenwood Between Railroad and Agricultural History

You can get to know Greenwood through its railroad and agricultural history: the train station played a role in its development as a market town, while historical economic activities ranged from farming to crafts. Today, the town is also home to a local creamery, and its quiet back roads offer opportunities for cycling. This lets you explore the town from several perspectives—its beginnings, its history as a trading center, and specific activities to enjoy during your stay.

Railroad, Town Founding, and Trade

In 1858, following the completion of the Delaware Railroad through Northwest Fork Hundred, the train station and the town of Greenwood were established on land belonging to Simeon Pennewell. The station helped Greenwood quickly become a market town and business center. The railroad is therefore part of the town’s founding story and its economic development at the time.

The 1868 Atlas of Delaware shows Greenwood clustered around the railroad. Within a few blocks along the line, it lists a train station, a general store, a hotel, and homes. This historical snapshot illustrates the spatial connection between transportation, trade, and residential life. The hotel listing is part of the townscape recorded in the atlas for 1868.

In the 1910s, the Maryland, Delaware and Virginia short line ran east to west through Greenwood. The dates 1858 and the 1910s offer two different perspectives on the town’s transportation history: the first concerns the establishment of the station and town, while the later one marks the route of the short line through the town.

Agriculture and Local History

Greenwood’s historical economy encompassed more than railroad traffic. It included orchards and row-crop farming as well as general and specialty retail. A blacksmith shop, a grist mill, a sawmill, and a cannery were also part of the local economy. Together, these activities show the range from cultivation to processing, crafts, and trade—befitting Greenwood’s role as a market town.

The Adams Home Farm offers another perspective on agricultural history: the same family has continuously farmed it since 1862. Its 13 buildings and structures contribute to the property’s historical significance. The long history of farming and the importance of its buildings add a family and farm story to the history of the trading center.

Cycling and Local Ice Cream

If you’d also like to get to know Greenwood through its food, Vanderwende Farm Creamery is a specific place to visit: the creamery has a shop in Greenwood. It makes small batches of homemade ice cream using fresh-from-the-farm ingredients. Since offerings can change, it’s a good idea to check what’s currently available before visiting.

Another way to experience the town is to cycle along quiet back roads. Before setting out, check current route conditions and whether this activity fits your plans; conditions and suitability can change. Alongside its historical attractions, Greenwood offers an activity centered on spending time outdoors.

Getting Your Bearings

Greenwood Public Library is less than a mile from U.S. Highway 13 and can be reached via Market Street, Delaware Route 16. It is just before the railroad tracks at the intersection of Mill Street and Market Street. This location gives you a specific reference point to help you get your bearings. The library’s online catalog is available around the clock; online renewals, holds, and free research databases are also offered. Digital services may change.

Discover more destinations: Milford, Rehoboth Beach, Fenwick Island, Long Neck, Seaford, Dagsboro, Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach

For the broader travel overview: Sussex County.