Great Geneva
3 mi. S of Dover on DE 356, Dover, DEGreat Geneva was intimately connected with the growth of the community of Friends near Camden,
and with the fortunes of the Hunn family.
The Hunns in Delaware are descended from a certain Nathaniel Hunn of Boston. After he died in King Philip's War, his wife, Priscilla, remarried and moved to Kent County, bringing her young children with her.
Jonathan Hunn, the great-grandson of Priscilla Hunn, purchased the tract called Great Geneva before 1765, and probably built his house about the same time.
The tract had first been surveyed to Alexander Humphreys in 1683, and passed through several hands before
the middle of the eighteenth century. Adjacent to the Great Geneva Property is Brecknock, from which Daniel Mifflin took a portion in 1783 to lay out Piccadilly, the present-day Camden, a center for the Society of Friends in Delaware.
Sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons of the house's builder lived at Great Geneva, and continued their activities as Friends, and, during the nineteenth century, as abolitionists. Both Ezekiel and John, grandsons of Jonathan, were ardent foes of slavery. The latter was a friend of abolitionist Thomas Garrett. On his deathbed, John
Local significance of the building:
and with the fortunes of the Hunn family.
The Hunns in Delaware are descended from a certain Nathaniel Hunn of Boston. After he died in King Philip's War, his wife, Priscilla, remarried and moved to Kent County, bringing her young children with her.
Jonathan Hunn, the great-grandson of Priscilla Hunn, purchased the tract called Great Geneva before 1765, and probably built his house about the same time.
The tract had first been surveyed to Alexander Humphreys in 1683, and passed through several hands before
the middle of the eighteenth century. Adjacent to the Great Geneva Property is Brecknock, from which Daniel Mifflin took a portion in 1783 to lay out Piccadilly, the present-day Camden, a center for the Society of Friends in Delaware.
Sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons of the house's builder lived at Great Geneva, and continued their activities as Friends, and, during the nineteenth century, as abolitionists. Both Ezekiel and John, grandsons of Jonathan, were ardent foes of slavery. The latter was a friend of abolitionist Thomas Garrett. On his deathbed, John
Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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 Delaware River, which borders the District of Delaware, played a significant role in the American Revolution. In December 1776, General George Washington and his troops famously crossed the Delaware River from Pennsylvania to launch a surprise attack on Hessian soldiers in Trenton, New Jersey.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.