History of the Town of Millington
The Town of Millington, a municipal corporation under Maryland law, was originally chartered as a town by the Maryland General Assembly in 1798. The town was incorporated in 1890. Millington grew up as a small village located on the Chester River, sharing shores with both Kent and Queen Anne's County. The land on which it is located was settled in the late 17th century. Over the years, the name of the town has changed - originating as Head of Chester, to Bridgetown around 1724, and finally in 1818 to become known as the Town of Millington.
Prior to the Civil War
The Town of Millington was a busy seat of commerce and agriculture. Millington was located in the center of a large corn, wheat, and fruit growing area. Downtown commerce included a hardware store, clothing and supply shops, a bank, hotels, and mills. In the late 1860s, the railroad was constructed connecting Wilmington and Philadelphia to Millington and points further south. The Kent and Queen Anne's Railroad enabled Millington to become one of the largest peach shippers in the county for many years.
Millington Today
Today, Millington is still a small town with strong echoes from the past. Millington is a walkable, self-contained town with a clear rural character and atmosphere. The Town has two municipal parks and one State park within town limits. The Town's parks, Robvanary Park is home to a playground area, walking trail, and soccer field; Water Front Park is home to fishing piers, a natural trail, and a canoe/kayak launch. Maryland Department of Natural Resources owns and operates Cypress Branch State Park located at 10803 Sassafras Street offering passive recreational activities. The Millington Lions Club maintains a youth baseball field at 172 Sassafras Street. Kent County Parks and Recreation owns and operates a swimming pool, pickle ball court, and tennis court, located on Millington Road. Also, the head of the Chester River runs through the Town of Millington, offering lovely public fishing areas with perch spawning in the spring, and catfish, spot, sunfish, yellow perch and the occasional striped bass throughout the remainder of the season.