Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the area around Stanton was frequented by Native American peoples. A paleo-Indian archaeology site, referred to as the Clyde Farm site, is located southwest of the area.
The village was originally known as "Cuckoldstown", perhaps for an inn that allegedly served as a meeting place for illicit rendezvous. The village was renamed after Stephen Stanton, a prominent landowner in the village.
In August 1777, George Washington erected fortifications in the area, expecting to confront British troops recently landed at Head of Elk, Maryland. Washington and his staff held a war council in the Hale-Byrnes House. The expected battle did not develop, though, as General Howe moved his army north towards Chester County, Pennsylvania.
St. James Church was established in 1720 and the first public school in the area opened near the church in 1808.
The Kiamensi Woolen Mills operated on the banks of the Red Clay Creek at several locations in the area. The mill provided blankets and other material for the Union Army during the American Civil War and operated until the early 1900s.
Stanton is part of the Red Clay Consolidated School District for public education.[2][4] Students in grades K through 5 attend Forest Oak Elementary School west of Stanton or Anna P. Mote Elementary School in Marshallton.[5][6]Stanton Middle School serves students in grades 6 through 8.[7] Students living in Stanton in grades 9 through 12 attend John Dickinson High School near Pike Creek.[8] Red Clay Consolidated School District also operates The Central School, an alternative education for grades 6 through 12, and James H. Groves Adult Education in Stanton. The Central School and James H. Groves Adult Education are housed in the same building, which used to be the Stanton Central Elementary School.