This area has been the home of the Nanticoke Indian Tribe for over 2000 years and is home to the Nanticoke Indian Museum as well as a yearly Pow-wow held by the tribe.[4] The unincorporated community is home to the Oak Orchard/Riverdale Post of the American Legion.
Fire protection is provided by the Indian River Vol. Fire Co.,[5] ambulance service by the Mid-Sussex Rescue Squad,[6] and police services are provided by the Delaware State Police as there is no incorporated town to provide such services. Oak Orchard was the scene of a house fire on January 3, 2001, that killed 11 family members.[7]