Governor's House
a.k.a. Hillyard House;The Cowgill House;Woodburn
Kings Hwy., Dover, DEArchitecturally, the Governor's House is significant as a surviving example of the best-quality eighteenth-century houses in Delaware. It is preserved as an integral part of the State museum system, which strives to illustrate typical Delaware houses of various periods and economic levels.
The builder, Charles Hillyard (1759-1814) was the fourth Delaware generation of a family of affluent landowners frequently active in the government, social, and economic life of Kent County. The founder of the line, Charles Hillyard received a warrant in 1683 for 3,000 acres; this document, signed at Dover, is the only surviving evidence that the Proprietor ever visited the town.
Local tradition, supported by geographical circumstance and the owner's abolitionist tendencies, identifies this house as a station on the fabled "underground railway." George Alfred Townsend, in his novel, The Entailed Hat (published in 1884), portrayed this as the scene of an attempted kidnapping by Patty Cannon's gang. As a result of this widely-known novel, a tradition has grown up which states that Mrs. Cannon fired a pistol-shot through the north door.
Since 1965, the house has gained further significance as the residence of Delaware's governors.
The house has often been the home of famous Delaware families; Charles Hillyard, the builder, was a son-in-law of Delaware's first Chancellor, William Killen.
The house was once the residence of Delaware's first woman legislator, Mrs. Vera Davis.
Local significance of the building:
The builder, Charles Hillyard (1759-1814) was the fourth Delaware generation of a family of affluent landowners frequently active in the government, social, and economic life of Kent County. The founder of the line, Charles Hillyard received a warrant in 1683 for 3,000 acres; this document, signed at Dover, is the only surviving evidence that the Proprietor ever visited the town.
Local tradition, supported by geographical circumstance and the owner's abolitionist tendencies, identifies this house as a station on the fabled "underground railway." George Alfred Townsend, in his novel, The Entailed Hat (published in 1884), portrayed this as the scene of an attempted kidnapping by Patty Cannon's gang. As a result of this widely-known novel, a tradition has grown up which states that Mrs. Cannon fired a pistol-shot through the north door.
Since 1965, the house has gained further significance as the residence of Delaware's governors.
The house has often been the home of famous Delaware families; Charles Hillyard, the builder, was a son-in-law of Delaware's first Chancellor, William Killen.
The house was once the residence of Delaware's first woman legislator, Mrs. Vera Davis.
Architecture
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 District of Delaware has been home to several important corporations throughout its history, including DuPont, one of the world's largest chemical companies. In fact, the district's reputation as a hub for corporate law has led to a significant number of patent and intellectual property cases being tried there.
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.