Serving Millsboro since 1948
From Rock Hole Mills to poultry, banking, and community growth

History of Millsboro

From Rock Hole Mills to poultry, banking, and community growth

Millsboro's history is tied to water, mills, rail, agriculture, banking, and the local institutions that followed.

Millsboro timeline

A place shaped by water, mills, rail, agriculture, and industry

Pre-colonialNanticoke and Indian River Indian presenceNative presence around the Indian River is central to Millsboro's early history.
1792Elisha Dickerson dams Rock HoleThe dam at the headwaters of the Indian River supports the mill history that gives Millsboro its name.
1809-1837Millsborough takes shapeMillsborough is named for Dickerson's grist-mill side, then merges with Washington across the river.
1800sMills, furnace, cypress, rail, and holly wreathsIndustry connected Cupola Park, rail service, lumber, canneries, and nationally distributed holly wreaths.
1940sPoultry becomes the dominant modern industryTownsend's is described as the nation's first fully integrated poultry company.
1948The chamber begins its long serviceGMCC has served Millsboro since 1948.