Greenwold

a.k.a. Manlove Hayes House

625 S. State St., Dover, DE
Born in 1817, Manlove Hayes was the son of a wealthy Kent County farmer and merchant. He received a formal education at the academy and college in Newark. After finishing his studies, Hayes obtained a position with the East Tennessee Railroad.

In 1840, however, he returned to York Seat farm, east of Dover, where he became a very successful farmer. His other business activities included a steamship line to Philadelphia. Hayes was also active in public affairs; he served as clerk of the State Senate in 1845 and as a representative in the 1852-53 General Assembly.

In 1862 Hayes purchased from John C. Pennewill a lot of twelve and one-half acres, just south of Dover; the decision to buy this lot was the result of several factors. He had decided to retire from farm life to concentrate on his other business enterprises. He wished to be close to the Delaware Railroad, to his relatives in Dover, and to a commercial center; yet he required the pastoral setting to which he had become accustomed. The parallels with the later "suburban movement" are obvious.

In April 1863 he entered into an agreement with Richard D. Smithers to erect a house of his own design. To complete the setting for his "gentleman's house," Hayes engaged William Saunders, "a distinguished landscape gardener," to lay out the ground plan and to select the varieties of trees to be planted. Saunders situated the
house, laid out the carriage drive and turn, and positioned trees to give the house light and circulation. Throughout the whole plan is a balance of concern for aesthetics and practicality.

In the spring of 1864 Manlove Hayes moved into his completed house. From here Hayes conducted his several business interests, which included the Delaware Railroad Company and the First National Bank of Dover.
Local significance of the building:
Landscape Architecture; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

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.

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In recent years, the District of Delaware has become known for its role in corporate law and litigation. Many large corporations, particularly those in the pharmaceutical and technology industries, choose to incorporate in Delaware due to the state's favorable corporate laws and the expertise of its legal professionals. As a result, the District of Delaware has seen a significant increase in the number of patent and intellectual property cases in recent years.
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.

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.