Located at the head of the Broadkill River, Milton became an important point for the shipping of agricultural products during the 18th century. A thriving shipbuilding industry supported the growth of the community, with large numbers of vessels being produced by local shipyards. Once known as Osborne’s Landing and Head-of-the-Broadkill, the town was renamed Milton in 1807 and incorporated by the State Legislature on March 17, 1865.