Delaware city is the largest community in the county, but there are many other towns and villages, each with its own character and history, waiting to be discovered by the eager explorer. Here are a few of the larger ones:

Sunbury is a charming colonial village of about 3,000 people in eastern Delaware County on Routes 37 and 3. Founded in 1816, the commercial district surrounds a New England-style town square. Business in Sunbury is surprisingly diverse, including a thriving antique and crafts trade along with a full range of retail establishments.

Just south of Sunbury is Galena, also built around a town square. Founded the same year that Sunbury got its start and originally named Zoar, Galena has its own bank, post office and several stores. Galena is credited with a population of under 500, but its proximity to Columbus and to the Hoover Dam Reservoir has generated an influx of traffic and enterprise.

Ashley is a small village in northeastern Delaware County on State Routes 42 and 229. Early in the 1840s the village was known as Oxford, but in 1949 it was renamed Ashley after the gentleman who then owned much of the town. Ashley is an active community with its own scouting groups, 4-H clubs, churches and a lot of interest in youth development. The R.B. Powers Company, manufacturers of awards and trophies, is the largest local industry. With a population of 1,300, Ashley is known as a warm, friendly and prosperous place to live.

Located in the fast-growing southern tier of Delaware County, Powell offers some of the area's most unique antique and specialty stores, and some of the most upscale housing, in a delightful small town setting. The town dates back to 1813, when it was called Middlebury, and until a few years ago had an official population of less than 1,000. Dynamic growth is increasing the population dramatically. Dozens of homes are under construction in any month, and new businesses and retail shops are springing up throughout the area. Residents are working hard to manage economic growth while preserving the town's country character.

When Ostrander was laid out in 1852, the Short Line Branch of the CCC&I Railroad made the town tick. The entire business district was destroyed by fire in 1925, but the town was rebuilt within two years. Today, Ostrander is a neat community - small, but active and concerned. Located in western Delaware County on Route 36, Ostrander has its own Business Association which sponsors Easter egg hunts and 4th of July celebrations for a community of about 400 people. For more than 35 years, there has been talk of damning Mill Creek as a flood control and water supply project. Such a project would isolate Ostrander, and residents remain ready to battle for their town's existence if necessary.

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