Coombe Historic District
a.k.a. See Also:Hughes Early Man Complex
W of Felton on DE 12 and SR 281, Felton, DE"The Coombe Historic District is significant to the heritage of Delaware for its unusual mixture of archaeological resources, both prehistoric and historic, in combination with two excellent examples of domestic architecture from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This well-preserved, interdisciplinary assemblage provides a unique opportunity for a site-specific examination of the various ways man has responded to the environmental and cultural fabric of southwestern Kent County, from approximately 10,000 years ago to the present.
The prehistoric component of the Coombe Historic District represents some of the earliest human occupations (8,500-11,000 B.P.) on the Delmarva Peninsula. The well-drained knoll triangulated by the Coombe House, the road, and the Hopkins Cemetery was listed in the National Register in 1979 as "Area F" of the Hughes Early Man Complex. As a whole, this complex was seasonally occupied as hunting camps which have yielded lithic materials, reconfirming the technological continuity from the Paleo Indian Period through the Early Archaic.
One of the first historic references to the area is a grant of land in 1715 by William Penn, Proprietor of Pennsylvania and the Three Lower Counties on Delaware, to John French of New Castle. The large, square, 580-acre tract, called "The Cave," was subsequently transferred and divided through sale and probate. In 1776, Benjamin Coombe, a Quaker Kent County farmer, purchased the western half of the "Cave" from Philemon Dickinson of Philadelphia.
The Benjamin Coombe House, built in 1778, represents an important departure from the architectural norms evidenced in the majority of brick Delaware Georgian plantation houses of the second half of the eighteenth century. With few exceptions, the more substantial houses of this period were either of the hallparlor-plan or contained two single-pile cells divided by a stair hall, with the double-pile, side stair-hall house plan coming into more common use at the end of the century. The Coombe House, however, is of an uncommon double-pile, double-cell configuration that has not been discerned elsewhere in the state.
Recently, there has been much scholarly discussion concerning the existence and nature of a Quaker architectural aesthetic. The Coombe House, with its comparatively austere interiors, would appear to be an example of the commonly held notion of the functional simplicity of "Quaker Georgian" architecture. Though Benjamin Coombe was very wealthy, most of the rooms in his house are devoid of unnecessary Woodwork, featuring only the most basic forms of fireplace and doorway architraves, simple chair rails and baseboards. The paneled dados of the "dining room" and common room seem almost an obligatory concession to visually define the more public and formal rooms of the house. The very practical interior shutters of these two rooms fold, out of sight, into the jambs.
Local significance of the district:
The prehistoric component of the Coombe Historic District represents some of the earliest human occupations (8,500-11,000 B.P.) on the Delmarva Peninsula. The well-drained knoll triangulated by the Coombe House, the road, and the Hopkins Cemetery was listed in the National Register in 1979 as "Area F" of the Hughes Early Man Complex. As a whole, this complex was seasonally occupied as hunting camps which have yielded lithic materials, reconfirming the technological continuity from the Paleo Indian Period through the Early Archaic.
One of the first historic references to the area is a grant of land in 1715 by William Penn, Proprietor of Pennsylvania and the Three Lower Counties on Delaware, to John French of New Castle. The large, square, 580-acre tract, called "The Cave," was subsequently transferred and divided through sale and probate. In 1776, Benjamin Coombe, a Quaker Kent County farmer, purchased the western half of the "Cave" from Philemon Dickinson of Philadelphia.
The Benjamin Coombe House, built in 1778, represents an important departure from the architectural norms evidenced in the majority of brick Delaware Georgian plantation houses of the second half of the eighteenth century. With few exceptions, the more substantial houses of this period were either of the hallparlor-plan or contained two single-pile cells divided by a stair hall, with the double-pile, side stair-hall house plan coming into more common use at the end of the century. The Coombe House, however, is of an uncommon double-pile, double-cell configuration that has not been discerned elsewhere in the state.
Recently, there has been much scholarly discussion concerning the existence and nature of a Quaker architectural aesthetic. The Coombe House, with its comparatively austere interiors, would appear to be an example of the commonly held notion of the functional simplicity of "Quaker Georgian" architecture. Though Benjamin Coombe was very wealthy, most of the rooms in his house are devoid of unnecessary Woodwork, featuring only the most basic forms of fireplace and doorway architraves, simple chair rails and baseboards. The paneled dados of the "dining room" and common room seem almost an obligatory concession to visually define the more public and formal rooms of the house. The very practical interior shutters of these two rooms fold, out of sight, into the jambs.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
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 had a number of famous judges throughout its history, including William Julius Haynes, who was the first African American to serve as a federal judge in the state of Delaware.
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.