Eden Hill
W end of Water St., Dover, DEEden Hill is noted, not primarily for its innate architectural value, but for its connection with a prominent Delaware family. In 1680 a large tract called "Brothers Portion" was warranted to John and Richard Walker.
In 1694 two hundred acres of "Brothers Portion" were purchased to create the town of Dover, under a warrant
issued by Penn. When the town plot was completed in 1718, seventy-five acres to the west were not laid out. Sixty-nine of these acres were purchased by John Mifflin, and, after passing through several owners they came into the possession of Nicholas Ridgely in 1748.
Nicholas Ridgely was a descendant of Henry Ridgely, who emigrated from Devonshire in 1659. By 1749 Nicholas Ridgely had erected a house on his farm west of Dover; he also purchased a house within the town itself. Among his public interests, Nicholas Ridgely served as Treasurer of Kent County and as one of the provincial justices of the Supreme Court of the Three Lower Counties. At the age of seventeen, the orphaned Caesar Rodney, one of Delaware's most illustrious patriots, chose Nicholas Ridgely as his guardian. At the death of Nicholas Ridgely in 1755, his third wife, Mary Middleton Vining, continued to live at the plantation house. She had named the house Eden Hill and also planted two avenues of trees.
Local significance of the building:
In 1694 two hundred acres of "Brothers Portion" were purchased to create the town of Dover, under a warrant
issued by Penn. When the town plot was completed in 1718, seventy-five acres to the west were not laid out. Sixty-nine of these acres were purchased by John Mifflin, and, after passing through several owners they came into the possession of Nicholas Ridgely in 1748.
Nicholas Ridgely was a descendant of Henry Ridgely, who emigrated from Devonshire in 1659. By 1749 Nicholas Ridgely had erected a house on his farm west of Dover; he also purchased a house within the town itself. Among his public interests, Nicholas Ridgely served as Treasurer of Kent County and as one of the provincial justices of the Supreme Court of the Three Lower Counties. At the age of seventeen, the orphaned Caesar Rodney, one of Delaware's most illustrious patriots, chose Nicholas Ridgely as his guardian. At the death of Nicholas Ridgely in 1755, his third wife, Mary Middleton Vining, continued to live at the plantation house. She had named the house Eden Hill and also planted two avenues of trees.
Politics/government
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 has been home to several important corporations throughout its history, including DuPont, one of the world's largest chemical companies. In fact, the district's reputation as a hub for corporate law has led to a significant number of patent and intellectual property cases being tried there.
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.