History and Industry in Odessa

The historic atmosphere of Odessa is the town's most prominent characteristic.The historic district and several individual buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1731, Richard Cantwell erected a toll bridge over the Appoquinimink Creek, called Cantwell's Bridge, and the town took the same name. In 1767, William Corbit opened the first industry in the town, a tannery. 1817 saw a blacksmith shop established, and in 1855 bank was incorporated. Later industries included fertilizers, fruit drying and canning.