Belmont Hall
1 mi. S of Smyrna on U.S. 13, Smyrna, DEBelmont Hall has been called one of the handsomest homes of colonial Delaware. The two back wings are said to have been built soon after the 600 acre tract of land, known as "Pearman's Choice" was granted by William Penn in 1684. The main front structure dating from the mid 18th century is representative of the best colonial building in the area.
Belmont Hall was the home of Thomas Collins, High Sheriff of Kent County, Brigadier -General in the American Revolution, and eighth President of the State of Delaware. It was under his administration that Delaware became the first of the original states to accept the United States Constitution on December 7, 1787, thus becoming "The First State."
In 1777 the State Council met at Belmont because Newcastle was not considered safe. Two of the chairs used at that time are still in the house. Belmont Hall, however, was not impervious.to..attack. Despite fortifications, a sentry on the Captain's Walk was shot and died in the room below. A plaque in the entrance hall commemorates this act.
The house is still owned by the descendants of Collins. Thomas Collins' sister married John Cook, also a President of Delaware. Their grandson, John Cloak bought it from his Collins cousins in 1827. He left it to his daughter, Caroline Speakman, who in turn left it to her son, Cummins E. Speakman, whose widow still lives there.
Local significance of the building:
Belmont Hall was the home of Thomas Collins, High Sheriff of Kent County, Brigadier -General in the American Revolution, and eighth President of the State of Delaware. It was under his administration that Delaware became the first of the original states to accept the United States Constitution on December 7, 1787, thus becoming "The First State."
In 1777 the State Council met at Belmont because Newcastle was not considered safe. Two of the chairs used at that time are still in the house. Belmont Hall, however, was not impervious.to..attack. Despite fortifications, a sentry on the Captain's Walk was shot and died in the room below. A plaque in the entrance hall commemorates this act.
The house is still owned by the descendants of Collins. Thomas Collins' sister married John Cook, also a President of Delaware. Their grandson, John Cloak bought it from his Collins cousins in 1827. He left it to his daughter, Caroline Speakman, who in turn left it to her son, Cummins E. Speakman, whose widow still lives there.
Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
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.
Delaware was one of the few slave states that remained in the Union during the American Civil War, and the District of Delaware was the site of several notable cases related to slavery and the Civil War. For example, in 1861, a group of slaves in Delaware attempted to escape to freedom on a ship called the Pearl, which was intercepted and brought back to Delaware. The case, which became known as the "Pearl Incident," was one of the earliest examples of a slave rebellion in the United States.
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.