Return Day

Return Day is a Delaware historical marker in Georgetown, Sussex County, dedicated 1990.

Sussex County · dedicated 1990 · 18 The Circle, Georgetown

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This event draws thousands as winning and losing candidates join in celebration on the Thursday following each general election. Poor traveling conditions and interest in the outcome of political contests may have resulted in an extended stay when all elections were held here. Creation of voting districts in 1811 required the meeting of a Board of Canvass on Thursdays to determine “returns” for the county. Proclamation of results continues to highlight this festive occasion. Well-established by the mid-19th century, Return Day is recognized as the only event of its kind in the nation.

TodayHistorical map

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David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries

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under a mile from where William Gabby lived in the 1760s

what this marker records spans 1777 to 1789, overlapping William Gabby's years here

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Source: State of Delaware Historical Markers Program, administered by the Delaware Public Archives.
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On the National Register nearby

Old Sussex County Courthouse130 ft
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Places within about 300 feet of this marker that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A nearby listing is not always the marker's own subject.