Felton Railroad Station
E. Railroad Ave., Felton, DEThe Felton Railroad"station Is a significant architectural symbol of the central role of the Delaware Railroad in the post-Civil War economic development of Delaware as a means of rapid and efficient transfer of passengers, goods and produce throughout the Delmarva Peninsula.
The Delaware Railroad, connecting the agricultural hinterlands of Delaware and portions of the Eastern Shore of Maryland to northern markets by way of Wilmington and Philadelphia, represented a regional culmination of the railroad building mania sweeping America in the mid-nineteenth century. Envisioned as a link between existing northern and southern railways, the Delaware Railroad operated the length of the state by 1859, and by 1866 was extended to the town of Crisfield, Maryland, on the Chesapeake Bay.
Prior to the construction of the railroad, Felton consisted of a few frame buildings scattered along Main Street, a trans-peninsular road connecting the early-nineteenth-century town of Frederica, Delaware, on the Murderkill River, with Choptank Bridge some 25 miles to the west in Maryland.
The economic and commercial optimism generated by the railroad brought into being a new community in Felton. A 1868 map of the town in Beer's Atlas of Delaware, portrays the town's plan for future development along a gridded street plan centered on a new town square several blocks to the north of Main Street. The Felton Railroad Station, built in 1868 just as the Atlas of Delaware was published, was conspicuously sited as a focal point to encourage planned growth in the undeveloped area of town that filled in during the later decades of the century. The town was named for Samuel N. Felton of Philadelphia, elected president of the Delaware Railroad Company in 1865 and a member of its board for over 35 years.
In similar fashion, other towns springing up along the route of the railroad at this time were named for other railroad officials.
Manlove Hayes, a director of the Delaware Railroad Company, accurately appraised the social and economic benefits arising from the railway in his History of the Delaware Railroad (1888) :
Local significance of the building:
The Delaware Railroad, connecting the agricultural hinterlands of Delaware and portions of the Eastern Shore of Maryland to northern markets by way of Wilmington and Philadelphia, represented a regional culmination of the railroad building mania sweeping America in the mid-nineteenth century. Envisioned as a link between existing northern and southern railways, the Delaware Railroad operated the length of the state by 1859, and by 1866 was extended to the town of Crisfield, Maryland, on the Chesapeake Bay.
Prior to the construction of the railroad, Felton consisted of a few frame buildings scattered along Main Street, a trans-peninsular road connecting the early-nineteenth-century town of Frederica, Delaware, on the Murderkill River, with Choptank Bridge some 25 miles to the west in Maryland.
The economic and commercial optimism generated by the railroad brought into being a new community in Felton. A 1868 map of the town in Beer's Atlas of Delaware, portrays the town's plan for future development along a gridded street plan centered on a new town square several blocks to the north of Main Street. The Felton Railroad Station, built in 1868 just as the Atlas of Delaware was published, was conspicuously sited as a focal point to encourage planned growth in the undeveloped area of town that filled in during the later decades of the century. The town was named for Samuel N. Felton of Philadelphia, elected president of the Delaware Railroad Company in 1865 and a member of its board for over 35 years.
In similar fashion, other towns springing up along the route of the railroad at this time were named for other railroad officials.
Manlove Hayes, a director of the Delaware Railroad Company, accurately appraised the social and economic benefits arising from the railway in his History of the Delaware Railroad (1888) :
"Well cultivated farms had succeeded to the dense forests and jungles that stretched for miles together on the borders of the railway when it was first opened. New villages had grown up at Clayton, Wyoming, Felton, Harrington, Farmington and the other principal stations. Tasteful residences, public schools, academies and churches in the larger towns presented inducements to people seeking new homes and brought many settlers to the neighborhood. The substantial and effective appearance of the new brick Passenger Depots and grounds, ornamented with plants and flowers, which were to be seen at many of the stations, showed the travelers that the managers of the railroad were performing a commendable part in their educating, cultivating, and refining the tastes of a people."
Transportation; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
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 is also home to several important educational institutions, including the University of Delaware, which was founded in 1743 as a small private academy. Today, the university is a major research institution with over 23,000 students.
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.