Duck Creek Village
a.k.a. Salisbury
DE 65, between Duck Creek and Green's Branch, Smyrna, DEOld Duck Creek Village offers an architecturally valuable example of a master craftsman of the middle eighteenth century, contrasted with the simpler quarters characteristic of less affluent working families and a somewhat earlier period. The miller's house is on its original site near the mill. The plank house is a rare survival of an architectural type intermediate between log and frame.
The community of which "The Lindens" and its mill are survivals is the oldest in northern Kent County. It had begun before 1705, near where Kings Highway crossed Duck Creek. A gristmill and bolting mil1 had been established before 1717. The site remained in constant use for manufacturing, usually the processing of wheat and corn, until the middle twentieth century. The present mill is approximately a hundred years old. A Friends Meeting (1705), a Church of England chapel (c.1740) and a Presbyterian Church (1773), all on or near the the village tract, are now represented only by their cemeteries
The existing buildings provide an adequate visual basis for an interpretation of eighteenth century village life in the area. The site as a whole indicates the economic factors controlling the original placement and the survival of communities. It also provides space for the reconstruction of a larger portion of the village should that later be feasible. The planned outdoor recreation facilities will greatly increase the number of potential visitors.
"The Lindens" is operated by the the Duck Creek Historical Society under lease from the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. Similar public-private and State-local cooperation will be continued and expanded as the site develops.
Local significance of the district:
The community of which "The Lindens" and its mill are survivals is the oldest in northern Kent County. It had begun before 1705, near where Kings Highway crossed Duck Creek. A gristmill and bolting mil1 had been established before 1717. The site remained in constant use for manufacturing, usually the processing of wheat and corn, until the middle twentieth century. The present mill is approximately a hundred years old. A Friends Meeting (1705), a Church of England chapel (c.1740) and a Presbyterian Church (1773), all on or near the the village tract, are now represented only by their cemeteries
The existing buildings provide an adequate visual basis for an interpretation of eighteenth century village life in the area. The site as a whole indicates the economic factors controlling the original placement and the survival of communities. It also provides space for the reconstruction of a larger portion of the village should that later be feasible. The planned outdoor recreation facilities will greatly increase the number of potential visitors.
"The Lindens" is operated by the the Duck Creek Historical Society under lease from the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. Similar public-private and State-local cooperation will be continued and expanded as the site develops.
Industry; Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
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.
The Wilmington and Western Railroad, a historic narrow-gauge railroad that operated in the District of Delaware, was used to transport goods and passengers between Wilmington and the nearby towns of Hockessin and Yorklyn. Today, the railroad is primarily used for tourist excursions and special events.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.