Timber Farms

Bear Delaware

Bear, Delaware!  What a Name

By Vanessa Manges-Spence

Although, years ago bears probably roamed these parts of Delaware with it being perfectly acceptable, It was not the reason this area is named Bear, Delaware.

Instead it was named for a local tavern, Bear Tavern, that existed until 1845 when the building burned.  

Generals' Washington, Lafayette and the others who traveled with them all used this tavern when travelling to and from Chesapeake Highway.  The actual location was said to be four miles west of rt. 13 on the north side of Rt. 40.