Felton Historic District
a.k.a. See Also: Felton Railroad Station
Roughly bounded by North, Walnut, Main, and Niles Sts., Felton, DEThe Felton Historic District is significant as an important late nineteenth century transportation and agricultural center that remains architecturally intact and reflects the various stages of development of the town. Typical of the towns that developed along the Delaware Railroad when it expanded south in 1856, Felton had its beginnings as an agricultural distribution point for the many farmers in the region. Before the advent of the railroad there was no settlement where the present town stands today, and thus the very existence of the town is linked to the arrival of the railroad. For this reason the Felton Historic District is being nominated to the National Register on the basis of Criterion A. The buildings in the district, many dating to the 1860s, include traditional Delaware vernacular, Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Bungalow styles. There are also some important commercial buildings.
The district comprises most of the late nineteenth-century town of Felton except for two blocks along the east side of the railroad. This area was the location of the many warehouses and support buildings for the railroad, together with some businesses such as a granary, N.P. Luff's store, a blacksmith's shop, W. Grier's Foundry and Machine Shop, and the J.H. Whitaker Packaging Company. The Presbyterian Church was also located in this area. Unfortunately, during recent years, these buildings became deteriorated and were torn down. Today, the modern firehouse, the post office, a laundromat, and a large parking lot are in this section. Consequently this area has been omitted from the district.
The rest of the nineteenth-century town, however, with its predominately residential section on the east side of the railroad tracks and its mainly commercial section on the west reflects an unusual architectural example of a railroad town. Even many of the barns, garages, and other out buildings that appear on the 1919 Sanborn Fire Map for the town remain.
Local significance of the district:
The district comprises most of the late nineteenth-century town of Felton except for two blocks along the east side of the railroad. This area was the location of the many warehouses and support buildings for the railroad, together with some businesses such as a granary, N.P. Luff's store, a blacksmith's shop, W. Grier's Foundry and Machine Shop, and the J.H. Whitaker Packaging Company. The Presbyterian Church was also located in this area. Unfortunately, during recent years, these buildings became deteriorated and were torn down. Today, the modern firehouse, the post office, a laundromat, and a large parking lot are in this section. Consequently this area has been omitted from the district.
The rest of the nineteenth-century town, however, with its predominately residential section on the east side of the railroad tracks and its mainly commercial section on the west reflects an unusual architectural example of a railroad town. Even many of the barns, garages, and other out buildings that appear on the 1919 Sanborn Fire Map for the town remain.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
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 a long history of agriculture, particularly in the southern part of the state. The region is known for its production of fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, peaches, and sweet corn.
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.