Claymont, Delaware is a small town located in New Castle County. It is situated along the Delaware River and is located just north of Wilmington, the state’s largest city. The town is bordered to the north by Interstate 95 and to the west by U.S. Route 13. Check cachedhealth for information about New Castle County, Delaware.
The geography of Claymont consists of rolling hills, dense forests, and wide open fields. The town is divided into two distinct areas: North Claymont and South Claymont. North Claymont is mostly residential with a mix of single-family homes, apartment buildings, and businesses while South Claymont has more industrial development such as warehouses and factories.
The terrain in Claymont varies from flat plains to steep hillsides with elevations ranging from sea level to over 200 feet above sea level at its highest point near Brandywine Creek State Park. The town also has several parks including Bayard Square Park, Gander Hill Park, Twin Springs Park, and Green Valley Park which offer recreational opportunities such as fishing ponds, walking trails, playgrounds, ball fields, picnic areas, basketball courts and more.
Natural resources are abundant in Claymont due to its location on the Delaware River which provides an abundance of fish species including American Shad, Striped Bass and Bluefish for recreational fishing enthusiasts as well as commercial fishermen who ply their trade in the area’s waters. In addition to fish species there are a variety of wildlife species that call the area home including white-tailed deer, red foxes, raccoons and coyotes among others.
Claymont offers residents a peaceful environment with easy access to nearby cities such as Wilmington for shopping or dining out while still maintaining its small-town atmosphere that has been part of its charm since it was first settled back in 1741.
History of Claymont, Delaware
Claymont, Delaware has a long and varied history, beginning in 1741 when the area was first colonized by settlers from Sweden. The small Swedish settlement was called “Claymont” which is derived from the Swedish word “klint-mon”, meaning “clay hill”. During this time, Claymont was a rural farming community with many of its inhabitants relying on subsistence farming for their livelihood.
In the late 1700s, Claymont began to experience an influx of Irish immigrants who were seeking new opportunities in America and these immigrants would eventually become the majority population of the town. These Irish immigrants brought with them their own culture and traditions which can still be seen today in Claymont’s architecture and festivals.
The 19th century saw Claymont become an industrial center with several factories being built along the banks of Brandywine Creek. These factories were mainly involved in the production of paper products such as newsprint and cardboard boxes but also included other industries such as textiles and machinery manufacturing. This period also saw a rise in population as people moved to Claymont to take advantage of the job opportunities created by these factories.
The 20th century saw an increase in residential development due to its proximity to Wilmington and Philadelphia as well as its accessibility via railroads, highways and waterways. This period also saw an increase in cultural activities such as music festivals, art galleries and theater performances which helped to give Claymont its unique identity that it still retains today.
Today, Claymont is a vibrant community that offers residents a peaceful environment with easy access to nearby cities such as Wilmington for shopping or dining out while still maintaining its small-town atmosphere that has been part of its charm since it was first settled back in 1741.
Economy of Claymont, Delaware
Claymont, Delaware has been an economic hub since its inception in 1741. Initially, the small settlement was primarily reliant on subsistence farming for its sustenance and growth. However, with the arrival of Irish immigrants in the late 1700s, Claymont began to experience a shift in its economy as these immigrants brought new skills and trades that allowed for industrial development.
The 19th century saw Claymont become an industrial center due to the influx of factories built along Brandywine Creek. These factories mainly focused on paper production but also included other industries such as textiles and machinery manufacturing. This period brought a surge of jobs to Claymont and many of the town’s inhabitants moved to take advantage of these opportunities.
The 20th century saw a shift in Claymont’s economy with more focus being placed on residential development due to its proximity to Wilmington and Philadelphia as well as its accessibility via railroads, highways and waterways. This period also saw an increase in cultural activities such as music festivals, art galleries and theater performances which helped to give Claymont an identity distinct from its industrial past.
Today, Claymont’s economy is still largely based on residential development but it has also diversified into other sectors such as retail, healthcare, education and hospitality services. The town is home to several large employers including PPG Industries Inc., Nemours Children’s Hospital and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP which provide jobs for many local residents. There are also several small businesses located throughout town that offer products or services ranging from automotive repair shops to restaurants or boutiques.
Overall, Claymont has been able to maintain a strong economic base while still retaining its small-town charm that has been part of its identity since it was first settled back in 1741.
Politics in Claymont, Delaware
Claymont, Delaware is located in New Castle County and is part of the 6th Congressional District. This district has been represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by Democrat Lisa Blunt Rochester since 2017. Claymont’s mayor is James T. “Tim” Sheldon, who was elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2020. The town council consists of seven members elected to two-year terms; six are elected from geographic districts and one is elected at-large.
The town’s government operates under a Council-Manager form of government where the town council sets policy and appoints a professional manager to implement those policies. The current Town Manager is David Hugg, who was appointed by the town council in 2018. The Claymont Town Council meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 7 p.m., with additional meetings as needed throughout the year.
Claymont has a strong commitment to civic engagement, with many opportunities for citizens to get involved in local politics through attending public meetings, volunteering on committees or running for office themselves. The town also hosts several events throughout the year such as National Night Out which brings together police officers and community members for a night of fun activities that promote safety and collaboration between residents and local law enforcement agencies.
Overall, Claymont is an engaged community with strong political involvement from its citizens that helps ensure that their voices are heard when it comes to making decisions about their city’s future direction and policies. From attending public meetings to running for office themselves, there are many ways that residents can get involved in local politics in Claymont which helps keep their city vibrant and prosperous for years to come.