A recent visit to the Historic Houses of Odessa proved a step back into the past of Delaware. Located 24 miles south of downtown Wilmington, Delaware, this tiny town of less than 400 people and half a square mile has a long history.
In the 1660s the Dutch settled the Appoquinimink River area and adopted the Indian name for the area, “Apequinemy.” They were attracted to the area for its location along the river and had hopes of establishing a trading route with colonies to the west. Next, the English began to colonize the (left, Wilson-Warner house) region and peacefully gained control of the Apequinemy area in 1664. Soon, the Dutch plantation was confiscated by the British and granted to Captain Edmund Cantwell, the 
first sheriff of New Castle County under the government of William Penn. A roadway called “Old Hermann’s Cartroad” was established during these years, connecting Bohemia Manor, Maryland, with the village.
In 1731, permission was granted to Edmund Cantwell’s son, Richard, to erect a toll bridge (above, Collins-Sharp kitchen) over the Appoquinimink Creek at Appoquinimink Landing. It was called Cantwell’s Bridge, and the town took the 
same name. In 1767, William Corbit opened the first industry in the town, a tannery, and it continued in operation until the 1850s.Throughout the 1800s, industries opened for the manufacture of fertilizers, the drying of fruits, and the canning of fruits and vegetables.(back door Corbit-Sharp House)
Today it contains several early homes under the Historic Houses of Odessa, including the c. 1700 Collins-Sharp House, the Corbit-Sharp House, furnished for the late 18th century 
period, the 1769 Wilson-Warner House, 1822 Cantwell's Tavern, and 1853 Odessa Bank.
Tours are given from March through December. (carriage mounting stone)
Looking to sell an Historic Delaware Home or relocate to New Castle or Kent County? Contact Carolyn Roland, Your Older and Historic Homes Resource.
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