Forty Acres was developed into a neighborhood in the 19th century from a 40-acre parcel of farmland. Just as many other neighborhoods have ethnic associations, many Irish Wilmingtonians have their roots in Forty Acres. Some Forty Acres families stayed for generations, and the neighborhood was popular well into the 20th century. What makes Forty Acres different is its sense of community and the close-knit relationships developed between its residents. While it is admired for its historic charm, the neighborhood is an urban community made up of a mixed-use residential and commercial village within the city of Wilmington. Today Forty Acres continues to be a place where the word "neighbor" holds strength, value, and friendship.