The first thing that came to mind when I heard the name “Slaughter Beach” was an abattoir. However, that is far from the truth. Why is Slaughter Beach called Slaughter Beach?
Slaughter Beach in Southern Delaware, surprisingly, has a lot more to offer than its amazing coastline and beautiful beaches.
The First State does a brilliant job at providing its residents and visitors with entertaining, relaxing, and fun coastal resorts.
Here, you can find the nation’s summer capital of Rehoboth Beach, Fenwick Island, Lewes’s historic charm, and Bethany beach’s serene resorts.
However, if you want a quiet and calm environment to get away from all the stress, hustle and bustle of main beach resorts in Delaware and neighbouring Maryland, there are several options to choose from while also enjoying your time on the beach.
Slaughter beach, for one, is a spectacular, serene and lovely beach which lies on the shore of Delaware bay.
Despite its name, Slaughter beach is quite famous for having a large number of birds coming to feed on the horseshoe crabs which are scattered on the shore.
Why is Slaughter Beach called Slaughter Beach?
The name of this beach has brought about many arguments over the years. According to early maps, a small creek named Slaughter creek flowed through the marsh from the Cedar creek south and emptied into Delaware bay.
The bay was located north of Prime Hook Beach. Slaughter neck is a place which is southwest of that town. As such, some people believe it got its name from the areas surrounding it.
Slaughter beach is among the official horseshoe crab sanctuaries in Delaware and to show their importance in this aspect, this beach has a horseshoe crab as the town symbol.
Due to the pebbles and the crab shells, visitors are advised to come along with water shoes especially if you are visiting during low tide. Slaughter beach is simply the best spot for anyone looking for a chill day by the water.
In Slaughter beach, there are many basic facilities available such as:
- A shaded picnic area and
- Bathhouse
America’s Best Kept Secret
The United States houses amazing and fun destinations for you to go and relax during holidays or to get away from the stress of your job. While some places are very popular, few people may know others.
It may interest you to know that many of the most remarkable spots in America are quite unnoticed. There are lovely spots even in the small state, which is often overlooked by the rest of the country, and Slaughter beach is one of these places.
According to Reader’s digest, Slaughter beach in Delaware is regarded as America’s best kept secret. This beach is one of the world’s most unique beaches regardless of its name.
There are several theories as to how the beach got its ominous name. One theory states that the town got its name after a local postmaster named William Slaughter.
Another theory believes this town’s name is birthed from the death of the horseshoe crabs in the sun hence “slaughter of the crabs”.
A very interesting idea is that the town is so named because of a man named Brabant. Brabant killed many native Americans at this place by a cannon. Although there is no exact official reason behind the name of this beach, the town was officially incorporated in 1931.
Slaughter beach naught resemble any normal beach on a first glance. It is characterised by white sand and Sparkling waters but what distinguishes this beach from all other beaches is the tiny critters which invade the stretch of shoreline every year.
Slaughter beach is the official “horseshoe crab sanctuary.” Every year in the months, May and June, a very large number of horseshoe crabs that date as far back as 450 million years ago move to Slaughter beach to spawn.
These prehistoric creatures travel from the depths of the ocean and come to Slaughter beach. Although their spikes and enormous tail may give them a fearful appearance, these creatures are anything but dangerous.
Can you swim at Slaughter Beach?
Slaughter beach does not have any lifeguards available so you might want to take extra caution while swimming.
If you intend on boating, it is advisable to do so at a safe distance from the shore. You should also consider the depth of the water especially at the north end of the beach and during low tides.
Surprisingly, these crabs are of significant importance to humans. In their blood, there is a presence of a substance, which is able to detect small amounts of toxins. As such, their blood is used to test the sterility of IV drugs as well as medical equipment.
Compared to the 200 residents in Slaughter beach, the number of horseshoe crabs in Slaughter beach is enormous.
During its peak, you may experience over 750,000 horseshoe crabs getting ready to lay their eggs. Other periods except this time may make this beach look ordinary.
If you are someone who loves a hidden and overlooked beach or the distinct marine life, then this beach in Delaware should definitely be at the top of your list.
FAQs
Where is Slaughter Beach?
Slaughter beach is in Sussex county, Delaware. It can be accessed through the Boardwalk Marvel Saltmarsh Preserve.
In this beach, many events relate to the wildlife are hosted throughout the spring and the summer seasons from April to June. Baby diamondback terrapin hatchlings also migrate to the marsh and the shore birds return to their home at this time.
From May to July, there are beating activities of the female diamondback terrapins and the horseshoe crabs return from May to August. If you have not been to Slaughter beach, then this is a sign that you should!
Does Slaughter Beach have public access?
InSlaughter Beach, there is a beach access area which is open to the public. It also has a parking lot near the public path.
Alongside this parking lot is a small bath house which is open only during the summer season.
Are there bathrooms at Slaughter Beach?
Yes, you can find bathrooms at the beach.