Cooper House
a.k.a. Wilds House
DE 300, Kenton, DEFamily legend states that three Wilds brothers arrived in America from Wales sometime near the middle of the eighteenth century. One settled in Virginia, while another settled in Maryland. A third remained in Maryland for a time, but soon moved to Delaware's Duck Creek Hundred, where he took up a large tract. The three are supposed to have made a strange agreement. In order to avoid confusion in possible reports of misfortune traveling by the slow and unreliable mails, they chose to spell their names differently. One became Wild, another Wyles, and the third, Nathaniel, the patriarch of the Delaware family, Wilds.
Nathaniel Wilds cleared his land and built a home, possibly the older section of the present Cooper House. The house's owner dates that section from 1794, but since Nathaniel died in 1800, it is either an earlier product, or a second home that he built in his later years. Wilds also erected the first school house in what became Duck Creek's District 9, a substantial log house which bore his name for years. Five generations of his descendants received their education there.
When Nathaniel Wilds died in 1800, he willed to his son, Nathaniel, "250 acres of the home plantation and all the belongings thereof." Nathaniel and his brother John divided their father's personal property.
James D. Wilds was born on the land his grandfather had taken up, as his father had been. He bought another farm, however, in 1851, where he apparently had been living since his marriage in 1830. James cast his first vote, for John Quincy Adams but later became a Democrat. He served in the Delaware House of Representatives in 1840.
James' son, David S., was the third generation of Wilds to be born on the farm. At twenty, after a desultory academic career, he became manager of a part of his father's farm, and bought a portion of the land from his mother after his father's death in 1863. The farm and the house were owned by Dr. W. N. Cooper in 1898: the house has since borne his name.
Local significance of the building:
Nathaniel Wilds cleared his land and built a home, possibly the older section of the present Cooper House. The house's owner dates that section from 1794, but since Nathaniel died in 1800, it is either an earlier product, or a second home that he built in his later years. Wilds also erected the first school house in what became Duck Creek's District 9, a substantial log house which bore his name for years. Five generations of his descendants received their education there.
When Nathaniel Wilds died in 1800, he willed to his son, Nathaniel, "250 acres of the home plantation and all the belongings thereof." Nathaniel and his brother John divided their father's personal property.
James D. Wilds was born on the land his grandfather had taken up, as his father had been. He bought another farm, however, in 1851, where he apparently had been living since his marriage in 1830. James cast his first vote, for John Quincy Adams but later became a Democrat. He served in the Delaware House of Representatives in 1840.
James' son, David S., was the third generation of Wilds to be born on the farm. At twenty, after a desultory academic career, he became manager of a part of his father's farm, and bought a portion of the land from his mother after his father's death in 1863. The farm and the house were owned by Dr. W. N. Cooper in 1898: the house has since borne his name.
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 District of Delaware is home to several historic landmarks, including the Old New Castle Courthouse, which was built in 1732 and served as the state's first courthouse, and the Nemours Estate, a mansion built in the early 20th century by Alfred I. du Pont. The district is also home to several museums, including the Delaware Art Museum and the Hagley Museum and Library.
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.