Stanton is an unincorporated community in New Castle County, Delaware, United States.

History

Stanton is located near the Piedmont fall line along the banks of the Red Clay Creek. First settled around 1679, it was the first settlement in Mill Creek Hundred. Many small watermills dotted the area and a farm road from Chester County, Pennsylvania terminated on the banks of Red Clay Creek.

The village was originally known as "Cuckoldstown", perhaps for an inn that served as a meeting place for illicit roundevous. The village was renamed after Stephen Stanton, a prominent landowner in the village.

In August 1777, George Washington erected fortifications in the area, expecting to confromt British troops recently landed at Head of Elk, Maryland. Washington and his staff held a war council in the Hale-Byrnes House. The expeceted battle did not develop, though, as Genreal Howe moved his army north towards Chester County, Pennsylvania.

St. James Church was established in 1720 and the first public school in the area opened near the church in 1808.

Education

THere are three schools located in the Stanton area:

• Stanton Middle School- grades 6 through 8
• The Central School- alternative education for grades 6 through 12
• James H. Groves Adult Education

The Central School and James H. Groves Adult Education are housed in the same building, which formerly was the Stanton Central Elementary School.

Recreation

Delaware Park Racetrack is located in Stanton. The facility opened in 1937 for thoroughbred horse racing. In 1995, video lottery (i.e., slot machines) were installed in the clubhouse.

Notable residents

• L. Heisler Ball (1861-1932), physician and United States Senator

References