The journey begins along the Murderkill River, whose name is taken from the original Dutch meaning “Mother River.” Moeder is mother in Middle Dutch, and kille is river. Later, under British rule, the word “river” was added to the waterway’s name, effectively making it “mother river river.” While the untranslated name is jarring, its true meaning describes its nurturing qualities. Two towns that benefited from the Murderkill are Bowers Beach and Frederica.

Bower’s Beach is the first sandy beach one encounters when coming from the north.
Its maritime history is celebrated in May during the Buccaneer Bash, and again in August when the town commemorates “Big Thursday,” the official beginning of oyster harvesting season. Spend a little time taking in the quiet coastal town energy.

• If you want to really get into the seafaring sprit, chartered boats are available. The early bird gets the worm as Captain’s Lady, which sets sail every day, rain or shine, leaves at 7 am and returns at 2:30. Rent rods and purchase bait for a day of fishing on the Delaware Bay.
• Once you’re firmly back on land you can head over to the Bowers Maritime Museum to learn more about the town’s rich
  history.

The next stop, further inland along the Murderkill, is Frederica.
The town was established at the farthest point inland navigable as a shipping port. The town has a small historic district to explore.

• Just outside of town to the south is Barratt’s Chapel, Museum and Cemetery, which is billed as the “Cradle of American Methodism”.