Kitts Hummock, Delaware facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kitts Hummock, Delaware
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 Kitts Hummock, Delaware
Location in Delaware
Kitts Hummock, Delaware
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Delaware |
| County | Kent |
| Elevation | 3 ft (0.9 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 302 |
| GNIS feature ID | 214198 |
Kitts Hummock is a small, quiet community in Kent County, Delaware, United States. It's not a city or town with its own government. Instead, it's an "unincorporated community." This means it's a group of homes and businesses that aren't officially part of a larger town.
Kitts Hummock is located right on the Delaware Bay. You can find it at the very end of Kitts Hummock Road. It is southeast of the city of Dover.
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The Name of Kitts Hummock
The name "Kitts Hummock" has an interesting story. It was first called "Kidds Hammock." This name came from a famous 17th-century pirate named Captain William Kidd. People used to whisper that he buried treasure there!
What is a Hammock?
The word "Hammock" in the original name refers to a type of natural area. In ecology, a "hammock" is a small forest. It's usually a stand of hardwood trees that are a bit higher than the land around them.
How the Name Changed
The name "Kidds Hammock" accidentally changed over time. Employees of the Delaware Department of Transportation made a small mistake. They changed the spelling to "Kitts Hummock." A "hummock" is also a small rise in the ground. This new name still made sense for the area.
Kitts Hummock Beach and Horseshoe Crabs
Kitts Hummock is famous for its beach. Kitts Hummock Beach is a special place for horseshoe crabs. It is an official sanctuary for these amazing creatures.
Delaware's State Marine Animal
Horseshoe crabs are very important to Delaware. They are the official state marine animal. They are also a "signature species" of the Delaware Bay Estuary. This means they are a key part of the bay's ecosystem. Many birds and other animals rely on horseshoe crabs for food.
