The Circle | Georgetown

Information

Landmark: The Circle
City: Georgetown
Country: USA Delaware
Continent: North America

The Circle, Georgetown, USA Delaware, North America

The Circle is a historic roundabout located in the center of Georgetown, Delaware. It serves as the focal point of the town's original layout.

Visual Characteristics

The Circle is an approximately 100-foot diameter paved area. It is surrounded by a low, circular concrete curb. At its center stands a granite monument, approximately 20 feet in height, topped with a copper dome. The monument features four carved panels depicting historical scenes. The area is bordered by four intersecting streets and is lined with mature oak trees providing shade.

Location & Access Logistics

The Circle is situated at the intersection of State Street, Market Street, Bedford Street, and South Race Street in Georgetown, DE. It is approximately 25 miles south of Dover, DE, accessible via US-13 South. Public parking is available on the streets immediately surrounding The Circle, with metered parking typically enforced during business hours. Georgetown is served by DART First State bus routes, with stops located within a 5-minute walk of The Circle.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Circle was established as the central planning feature of Georgetown when it was laid out in 1791. The granite monument at its center was erected in 1909 to commemorate the town's founders and its role as the county seat of Sussex County. The surrounding trees are native species, primarily Quercus alba (White Oak).

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the central monument and its historical carvings. The Circle is a common gathering point for local events and festivals. Walking around the perimeter and observing the surrounding historic architecture is a primary activity. Photography of the monument and its setting is possible.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Public restrooms are located in the Sussex County Courthouse building, adjacent to The Circle. Shade is provided by the mature oak trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this area. Food vendors are not typically present directly at The Circle, but several restaurants and cafes are located within a 1-block radius.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal illumination of the monument. The best months for visiting are April through October, offering pleasant outdoor conditions. There are no tide-dependent activities associated with The Circle.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that the original town charter specified that no building taller than the monument could be constructed within a certain radius of The Circle, though this is not officially documented. The monument's copper dome has been re-patinated several times throughout its history.