Delaware may be the second smallest state in the US, but it has a rich history and a lot of hidden gems. One of them is an abandoned town that most people don’t even know exists. It’s called Yorklyn, and it was once a thriving industrial center for the production of snuff, paper, and textiles.
The Rise and Fall of Yorklyn
Yorklyn is located in the northwest corner of Delaware, near the border with Pennsylvania. The town was founded in the early 1800s by the Garrett family, who built several mills along the Red Clay Creek. The mills processed tobacco into snuff, a powdered form of tobacco that was popular at the time. The Garretts also diversified into paper making and textile manufacturing, employing hundreds of workers and creating a prosperous community.
Yorklyn reached its peak in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when it was home to the largest snuff mill in the world, the Garrett Snuff Mill. The town also had a railroad station, a post office, a school, a church, a general store, and several houses. Yorklyn was a self-contained and self-sufficient town, with its own water supply, power plant, and fire department.
However, Yorklyn’s fortunes began to decline in the mid-20th century, as snuff consumption decreased and competition from other industries increased. The mills gradually closed down, and the workers moved away. By the 1970s, Yorklyn was mostly abandoned, and the remaining buildings fell into disrepair and decay.
The Rediscovery and Revival of Yorklyn
Yorklyn remained largely forgotten for decades, until the state of Delaware acquired the land in the 1990s and 2000s. The state recognized the historical and environmental value of Yorklyn, and decided to preserve and restore the town as part of a project called Yorklyn Village. The project aims to transform Yorklyn into a mixed-use community that combines residential, commercial, recreational, and cultural elements, while respecting the town’s heritage and natural beauty.
Some of the achievements of the project so far include:
- Cleaning up the contaminated soil and water from the industrial activities
- Stabilizing and renovating the historic buildings, such as the Garrett Snuff Mill, the Marshall Brothers Paper Mill, and the National Vulcanized Fiber Factory
- Creating new trails and parks along the creek, such as the Auburn Valley State Park and the Yorklyn Bridge Trail
- Developing new attractions and amenities, such as the Center for the Creative Arts, the Dew Point Brewing Company, and the Yorklyn Pool
- Hosting events and festivals, such as the Yorklyn Day, the Winter Arts Festival, and the Yorklyn Live Music Series
The Future of Yorklyn
Yorklyn is still a work in progress, and there are many more plans and ideas for the town’s future. Some of them include:
- Building new housing units and commercial spaces that blend with the historic architecture and landscape
- Expanding the railroad museum and the antique car museum that are located in the town
- Connecting Yorklyn with other nearby towns and attractions, such as Hockessin, Kennett Square, and Longwood Gardens
- Promoting Yorklyn as a destination for tourism, education, and entertainment
Yorklyn is a unique and fascinating place that offers a glimpse into Delaware’s past and a vision for its future. It is a town that has risen from the ashes, and is ready to welcome visitors and residents alike. Yorklyn is a hidden gem that most people don’t know about, but should definitely check out.