The Old Courthouse

The Old Courthouse was constructed in 1791 at the direction of the State Legislature. This structure served as the seat of Sussex County government until 1837, when it was sold and moved to this location to make way for the construction of the present County Courthouse it was later used as a private residence and also served as a printing shop. On September 20, 1962, the building and lot were conveyed to the State of Delaware. A major renovation project was undertaken in 1974 with funding provided by the State and National Park Service. The building wad dedicated on Return Day 1976, in honor of the nation's bicentenial.

The Brick Hotel

This locally famous landmark was constructed in 1836 by Joshua S. Layton and Caleb B. Sipple, builders of the Sussex County Courthouse across the square. It replaced a frame public house that stood on the site. County courts were held here during the counstruction of the Courthouse 1837-39. The accomodations and hospitality of the house made this a popular stopping place to both residents and visitors of the county seat.

Known for a time as the Union Hotel, this was a well known gathering place for northern sympathizers during the Civil War. After the war, business flourished with the coming of the railroad. With the advent of the automobile, the number of lodgers began to decline, and the hotel was closed in the mid 1950's. The building was later renovated and used as a bank until 1998. The Brick Hotel was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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