Harrington – Railroad History, Museums and Hotels

If you are considering Harrington as a place to stay, you will encounter historic buildings, railroad exhibits, museums and the summer Delaware State Fair. Open spaces and parks are also part of the city’s character. These highlights offer different ways to plan a stay: you can explore Harrington’s history, plan a museum visit or schedule your trip around an annual event.

Early History and the Railroad

Before the area was called Harrington, it was known as “Clark’s Corner.” In 1780, Benjamin Clark built a house and tavern there at the crossroads of the roads then leading to Frederica and Milford. Another notable point in the city’s history came in 1856, when the Delaware Railroad established a railroad junction in Harrington. The early settlement and the development of railroad transportation are two distinct historical points of reference for the town.

Museums and Preserved Buildings

The Greater Harrington Historical Society has three museum locations and more than 50,000 artifacts. Some date back to the early 18th century. The society’s first museum is the original St Stephen’s Episcopal Church at 110 Fleming Street. Built in 1876, the building is one of the oldest structures still standing in Harrington. Here, the history of a local institution and a historic building come together at a specific location.

Museum visits can be arranged by appointment by phone or email. Visiting hours are scheduled for the first and third Sunday of each month, from 12 to 5 p.m. Arrange your visit with the society in advance. This allows you to plan around the scheduled hours and the appointment requirement.

The railroad collection also offers insights into different aspects of local history. The Railroad Tower has been restored to its original operating condition and houses items from Harrington’s railroad era. The restored Model N5 Caboose was built in 1926. The items inside offer insights into the daily work of Pennsylvania Railroad Corporation employees in the 1920s and 1930s. The tower and caboose thus illustrate different sides of the railroad heritage: operations and employees’ work.

Delaware State Fair and Harness Racing

Since its founding in 1919, the Delaware State Fair has promoted culture, agriculture, education and community life in Delaware. It is an annual summer event that lasts ten consecutive days. If you would like to plan your trip around the fair, check the event dates for that year. The Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington are accessible by car or public transportation; check the latest travel information before setting out.

Regular pari-mutuel harness racing began at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in 1946. Harrington Raceway is the oldest continuously operating harness racing track in the country. Harrington Raceway & Casino offers gambling and dining. Harrington therefore has both historic connections to harness racing and a named venue for visitors interested in gambling or dining.

Open Spaces in Harrington

Harrington offers a range of open spaces and parks for residents and visitors. One specific example is the free outdoor area formed by Freedom Park and the Norman Barlow Pavilion at the corner of Mechanic St and Fleming St. The park area adds a public outdoor space to the historic points of interest. If you are considering urban open spaces alongside museums and events when choosing where to stay, this named area is one of the options described in town.

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