Elsmere

Elsmere fought off annexation imposed by the city of Wilmington in 1909 allowing residents to form their own town. With four determined local residents representing about 70 families, Elsmere was born. In 2009 Elsmere celebrated its 100th birthday. Most Delawareans know Elsmere as the town at the north end of Kirkwood Highway. Traveling into town the shops, neighborhood entrance signs, and the large Veterans Administration Hospital serve as landmarks.

Elsmere got its start as a blue collar town with light industrial facilities scattered about. Some of that industry remains today. The town received a post-war building boost following World War II with a variety of roads constructed on property that once served as the Delaware State Fair Grounds. In the 1940s the State Fair moved downstate which opened the land to development. Noted for its tree-inspired street names: Maple, Spruce, Poplar, Linden, Locust and more, it is a quick ride or walk from any of these streets to Elsmere’s heart--the Wilmington Avenue/New Road corridor as it stretches from Kirkwood Highway on its way to Union Street in Wilmington.

For administrative purposes Elsmere is divided into six districts with each electing a council person. The council serves with an elected mayor and an appointed town manager. The town also has two commissions appointed by the mayor and council: the Board of Adjustments and the Planning Commission.

Visit www.townofelsmere.com

To view all businesses in Elsmere please choose one of the below zip codes:

19805