Clayton Railroad Station
Bassett St., Clayton, DEThe Clayton Railroad Station is significant because of its history, as a part of the Delaware Railroad so important in the economic history of Delaware after the Civil War, and because of its architecture as an intact mid-nineteenth century Railroad depot with Italianate features.
Because the station is closely linked to the history of the Delaware Railroad, an important Delaware transportation system, the Clayton Railroad Station is being nominated to the National Register on the basis of Criterion A. The station is also significant architecturally and therefore is being nominated to the National Register.
The Clayton Railroad Station was built around 1855 at a small settlement called Jimtown, near Smyrna, as the Delaware Railroad moved southward, and for nearly one hundred years served the diverse needs of the agrarian region surrounding it. The Delaware Railroad was originally chartered in 1836; however, this attempt was unsuccessful because insufficient funds were raised primarily as a result of the Panic of 1837 and the devastating economic conditions that plagued Delaware and the nation. John M. Clayton, Secretary of State under President Zachary Taylor, was a driving force behind this earliest attempt to establish a railroad. Later Jimtown, or Smyrna Station as it came to be called, would be named after Clayton.
Thirteen years after this early attempt, the charter was revived primarily through the efforts of Delaware's Chief Justice, Samuel M. Harrington; however, nothing was done until 1852 when the State of Delaware subscribed 5,000 shares of stock in the new company to be paid out of the revenue accrued from the New Castle and Frenchtown Rail Road. In 1853 the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore Railroad (P. W. & B.) became interested in the railroad. The president of that railroad was Samuel M. Felton; he and Charles I. duPont became directors of the reorganized Delaware Railroad Company which was heavily funded by Philadelphia investors, but controlled by Delawareans. The Pennsylvania interest resulted from their attempt to divert trade from Baltimore. Thereafter construction was pushed. In 1854 the company experienced more financial difficulties only to be remedied by a bond sale in the amount of $200,000 guaranteed by the P. W. & B. The bonds were not all sold, but P. W. & B. came forward with the money as did the state, and on May 4, 1855 the railroad was completed to Middletown, and by January of 1856, it had passed through Jimtown and had reached Dover.
Local significance of the building:
Because the station is closely linked to the history of the Delaware Railroad, an important Delaware transportation system, the Clayton Railroad Station is being nominated to the National Register on the basis of Criterion A. The station is also significant architecturally and therefore is being nominated to the National Register.
The Clayton Railroad Station was built around 1855 at a small settlement called Jimtown, near Smyrna, as the Delaware Railroad moved southward, and for nearly one hundred years served the diverse needs of the agrarian region surrounding it. The Delaware Railroad was originally chartered in 1836; however, this attempt was unsuccessful because insufficient funds were raised primarily as a result of the Panic of 1837 and the devastating economic conditions that plagued Delaware and the nation. John M. Clayton, Secretary of State under President Zachary Taylor, was a driving force behind this earliest attempt to establish a railroad. Later Jimtown, or Smyrna Station as it came to be called, would be named after Clayton.
Thirteen years after this early attempt, the charter was revived primarily through the efforts of Delaware's Chief Justice, Samuel M. Harrington; however, nothing was done until 1852 when the State of Delaware subscribed 5,000 shares of stock in the new company to be paid out of the revenue accrued from the New Castle and Frenchtown Rail Road. In 1853 the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore Railroad (P. W. & B.) became interested in the railroad. The president of that railroad was Samuel M. Felton; he and Charles I. duPont became directors of the reorganized Delaware Railroad Company which was heavily funded by Philadelphia investors, but controlled by Delawareans. The Pennsylvania interest resulted from their attempt to divert trade from Baltimore. Thereafter construction was pushed. In 1854 the company experienced more financial difficulties only to be remedied by a bond sale in the amount of $200,000 guaranteed by the P. W. & B. The bonds were not all sold, but P. W. & B. came forward with the money as did the state, and on May 4, 1855 the railroad was completed to Middletown, and by January of 1856, it had passed through Jimtown and had reached Dover.
Transportation; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
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.