A visit to this quiet historic town is like a return to simpler times. With its tree-lined streets and lovingly restored 18th and 19th century homes, one can scarcely imagine that this was once an important commercial hub for the new nation.

Originally called Appoquinimink after the Delaware River tributary on which it sits, Odessa was once a prosperous port city, shipping grain and other farm products up and down the east coast. By the early half of the 19th century, it was shipping over 400,000 bushels of grain annually.

Today, the tiny (less than one square mile) town has a population under 300, according to the latest census. So renown is Odessa's many wonderful examples of late 18th and early 19th century architecture that the whole town has been zoned as historic and the center of town is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Each year residents of the Odessa community celebrate the Christmas season by opening up their historic homes and welcome in the general public for a display of holiday hospitality as practiced in bygone days.

While steep in history, Odessa is near many modern-day amenities. Several major shopping malls and movie theaters are but a short drive a way. The Christiana Mall is just a pleasant thirty minute ride up Route 1 and I –95 and Wilmington, with all its theaters, clubs, and restaurants just a few miles farther. Closer to home is Middletown, just ten minutes down the road. The cities of Newark and the state capital of Dover are also nearby (less than thirty miles). Head south and within an hour you can be at any of Delaware's many popular beaches and resorts.

Odessa is part of the Appoquinimink School District, the highest rated in Delaware.

Odessa is located in New Castle County on Route 13 just off Route 1, on the Appoquinimink River.