In 1723, the town of Fast Landing was laid out on Little Duck Creek. The site was the first solid land up the creek from the bay. For almost two centuries, muskrats, oysters, salt hay, peaches, and tomatoes were bought and sold at the town’s wharf. In 1814, the thriving trade in muskrat pelts prompted the residents to change the town’s name to Leipsic for Leipzig, Germany, a noted fur-shipping port.

Muskrat is a popular dish in Delaware’s rural areas. From December to mid-March, the role of the muskrat in local life is evident. From trappers in hip boots and rain jackets to weekly muskrat dinners in local diners, the muskrat is very much a part of the local landscape.

Between 1836 and 1854, small boats were constructed in Leipsic and local products were shipped to Philadelphia. In 1888, Leipsic Canning Company was said to be the largest in the state, with an annual capacity of one million cans. Now the several fishing boats tied to the pier remain as proud symbols of the past.

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