Bank House
119 N. Walnut St., Milford, DEThe Bank House is important as an example of a departed commercial custom, as well as being an architecturally outstanding building of the Greek Revival style in Milford. Planned and begun as a banking house for the short-lived Bank of Milford, its design carries out the practical purpose of serving as both a banking house and as a dwelling. At the time of its building, it was customary for the cashier of a bank and his family to live in the bank building, thus giving protection to the deposits housed there. Evidence of the plan for a bank shows in two places; namely, vestiges of a brick vault in the basement, and the original plan for a door on the south side front, now a window.
When the bank was closed on March 2, 1855 by an act of the General Assembly, the building was incomplete. Later that year, the unfinished building was sold at a sheriff's sale to the farmers' Bank of the State of Delaware which, a year later, sold it to a local physician, Dr. James R. Mitchell, who completed the building for use as his residence and medical office.
Alonzo Reynolds, the architect, was from Port Deposit, Maryland. Among his other work is the old county office building in Dover, now a state office. The Bank House exemplifies the fine detailing for which he became known. As this house has been kept so much intact, it is surely one of the best known examples of Reynold's work.
Local significance of the building:
When the bank was closed on March 2, 1855 by an act of the General Assembly, the building was incomplete. Later that year, the unfinished building was sold at a sheriff's sale to the farmers' Bank of the State of Delaware which, a year later, sold it to a local physician, Dr. James R. Mitchell, who completed the building for use as his residence and medical office.
Alonzo Reynolds, the architect, was from Port Deposit, Maryland. Among his other work is the old county office building in Dover, now a state office. The Bank House exemplifies the fine detailing for which he became known. As this house has been kept so much intact, it is surely one of the best known examples of Reynold's work.
Commerce; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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In the 19th century, the District of Delaware was known for its production of gunpowder, and several gunpowder mills were established in the region. One of the most famous mills was the Hagley Powder Mills, which were founded by the DuPont family in the early 1800s. The mills were a major supplier of gunpowder to the U.S. military during the Civil War.
About Kent County
Kent County Timeline
Kent County, located in the state of Delaware, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the colonial era. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlers arrived in the early 17th century. The first permanent European settlement in the county was established by the Dutch in 1631, but they were soon displaced by the English who took control of the region.
During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.
In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.
In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.
In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.
In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
Kent County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Kent County, Delaware.
- 1680: Kent County was established as one of three original counties in Delaware.
- 1682: The county's first courthouse was built in Duck Creek Crossroads, now known as Smyrna.
- 1701: Kent County became the new capital of Delaware, replacing New Castle.
- 1777: The Battle of Cooch's Bridge, the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Delaware, took place in the county.
- 1787: Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution at the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover.
- 1829: The Delaware Railroad was established, connecting Kent County to the growing transportation network.
- 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, was ratified by Delaware in Dover.
- 1978: The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village opened in Dover, showcasing the county's agricultural history.
- 2013: Kent County celebrated its 330th anniversary with various events and activities.