Redden, Delaware facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Redden, Delaware
Unincorporated community
Redden, Delaware Location in Delaware Show map of Delaware Redden, Delaware Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	Delaware
County	Sussex
Elevation	46 ft (14 m)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
Area code(s)	302
GNIS feature ID	216191

Redden is a small, unincorporated community located in Sussex County, Delaware. This means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government. In the 1800s, Redden became an important hub for railroads. It is also home to an old church from the 1800s and a building that was used as a dining hall during World War II.

Where is Redden?

Redden is located in Delaware, specifically in Sussex County. You can find it along U.S. Route 113, just north of a town called Georgetown. The community is surrounded by parts of the Redden State Forest, which is a large area of trees and nature.

Redden's Past

Redden has a long and interesting history, especially connected to its early days and the railroads.

How Redden Grew (1800s)

Redden in central Sussex County, Delaware, in 1902

• McColley's Chapel: The first Methodist church in Redden, called McColley's Chapel, was built after land was given for it in 1857. The original building was later replaced with the current chapel in 1898.
• New Name: Redden was first known as Carey. It was renamed to honor Colonel William O. Redden. He was an important person in Sussex County in the mid-1800s.
• Post Office and Railroad: The Redden post office opened in 1868. By 1874, Redden was a busy stop on the Junction and Breakwater Railroad.
• Population: In 1890, Redden had about 50 residents.

Changes in the 1900s

• Growing Population: By 1900, Redden's population had grown slightly to 57 people.
• Railroad Continues: In 1904, Redden was described as a post village on the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington Railroad. Today, the old railroad tracks are still used for moving goods by the Delmarva Central Railroad.
• School Days: The Redden School, known as number 180, was still open in 1928. However, by 1930, the Delaware State Board of Education suggested closing it.
• Community Hall: The Redden Community Hall was used as a mess hall (a place to eat) during World War II. It is a special example of a building from a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp that is still standing in Delaware. The CCC was a program during the Great Depression that put young men to work on public projects.
• Post Office Closes: Around this time, the Redden post office also closed its doors in 1933.

Redden Today (2000s)

• Historic Church: McColley's Chapel was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 30, 2011. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. The church is still active today.
• Polling Place: The Redden Community Hall is still used as a place where people can go to vote in elections.