Bannister Hall and Baynard House
a.k.a. Fox Hall
S of Smyrna off DE 300, Smyrna, DEBannister Hall, with its square lines and cupola, is typical of Delaware country mansions of the Victorian period. However, as far as can be determined, it may have been the first pre-fabricated house erected in Delaware.
In 1865 John Anthony of Troy, New York declined an offer to stand as a gubernatorial candidate, and moved to Delaware to grow peaches. Since John Anthony was a building contractor, all the materials including the weatherboards, balusters, woodwork, and plumbing, were cut and fully prepared in Troy. After their arrival by freight cars the members were erected on waiting foundations outside of Smyrna in 1866. The house and lands have been inherited, in turn, by James Anthony and William Anthony, the present occupant and owner.
To the rear of Bannister Hall stands a modified Resurrection Manor style house with a corbelled brick cornice. This brick house is dated about 1750 and is believed to have been called Baynard House or Fox Hall. According to family legend the Fox Hall estate became Bannister Hall in 1886, when family illness required the placement of two railings on the stairs in the main house.
Bannister Hall is locally famous for a large grove of trees surrounding the house. John Anthony began the arboretum by planting an avenue leading to Bannister Hall. Since then, both James and William Anthony have added to the collection. The park now contains over one hundred species, of both foreign and local origin, at
Local significance of the district:
In 1865 John Anthony of Troy, New York declined an offer to stand as a gubernatorial candidate, and moved to Delaware to grow peaches. Since John Anthony was a building contractor, all the materials including the weatherboards, balusters, woodwork, and plumbing, were cut and fully prepared in Troy. After their arrival by freight cars the members were erected on waiting foundations outside of Smyrna in 1866. The house and lands have been inherited, in turn, by James Anthony and William Anthony, the present occupant and owner.
To the rear of Bannister Hall stands a modified Resurrection Manor style house with a corbelled brick cornice. This brick house is dated about 1750 and is believed to have been called Baynard House or Fox Hall. According to family legend the Fox Hall estate became Bannister Hall in 1886, when family illness required the placement of two railings on the stairs in the main house.
Bannister Hall is locally famous for a large grove of trees surrounding the house. John Anthony began the arboretum by planting an avenue leading to Bannister Hall. Since then, both James and William Anthony have added to the collection. The park now contains over one hundred species, of both foreign and local origin, at
Architecture; Agriculture
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 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.