Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach was established by a church group called the Disciples of Christ in 1901 as "a haven of rest for quiet people." The deed to the town was taken over in 1902 by six Pittsburgh businessmen after logistical problems (including bad water, poor construction, and the failure to build a railroad) became too demanding for the religious group to handle. The businessmen moved in and developed the land by building a boardwalk and some pavilions in 1903. For the next 60 years, Bethany Beach served as a quiet, exclusive seaside resort.

By Gabriel Wardell

May 18, 2001