Welcome to the tranquil village of Odessa, in colonial times, a busy grain shipping port known as Cantwell’s Bridge. You’ll enjoy strolling the tree-lined streets, touring the beautifully restored 18th and 19th-century houses, wandering through picturesque gardens and dining at the historic Cantwell’s Tavern, welcoming guests just as it did nearly 200 years ago.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this beautifully preserved 18th Century town, seated on the Appoquinimink River, was originally known as Cantwell’s Bridge. Odessa played a vital role in commercial life along the Delaware River as a busy grain shipping port. Take a guided tour of Odessa’s historic homes, which offer a step back in time as you stroll the brick sidewalks. In December, the houses are adorned with decorations reminiscent of Christmases from long ago. More information on tours.

Odessa was an important stop on the Underground Railroad, so much so that this section of the Delaware Bayshore Byway also becomes a section of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. Runaway slaves escaped to freedom with coordinated help from Quakers, Harriet Tubman and Thomas Garrett, two of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad in Delaware.

The Historic Odessa Foundation, incorporated in 2005, leads the effort to preserve and encourage the use of its historic buildings by the general public, students, and scholars in order to learn and appreciate the history, architecture, daily life, and furnishings of Delaware’s colonial period.

Experience life in the 18th Century by visiting the Corbit-Sharp House, a National Landmark built in 1774. It served as slaves’ safe harbor along their dangerous journey and the property demonstrates the significance of local land and water routes which lead to their freedom.

The Appoquinimink Friends Meeting House erected in 1783, is on the National Register of Historic Places.  Visit the Meeting House and view what was initially a gathering place for Quakers seeking religious freedom. A community with a strong antislavery movement, the Meeting House was once a station on the Underground Railroad.

Getting Here:
Historic Odessa is located in New Castle County Delaware.
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