Loockerman Hall
Delaware State College campus, Dover, DELoockerman Hall, well into its third century, for size and elegance in brick, stone, and wood could be considered to be one of the finest pre-Revolutionary houses now standing in Delaware.
Sadly enough, this distinguished plantation mansion at the head of St. Jones River was allowed to fall into disuse and disrepair after seventy (70) years of usefulness as a classroom building and dormitory. After 1891 it had been the main building for the Delaware State College established that year.
The origin of the Loockerman family began in the 17th century with the arrival of the young Dutch Govert Loockerman in 1633 at New Amsterdam and soon becoming "the richest man in North America, being worth 52,000 Dutch guilders or about $208,099". Govert's son Jacob is recorded as moving to Talbot County on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where he sired (among other children) Nicholas Loockerman who moved to Kent County, Delaware.
A deed showing that in 1723 Nicholas bought Andrew Caldwell the tract of land known as part of "The Range, lying at the head of St. Jones River," for 100 pounds. Presumably, he and his wife, Susan Emerson Loockerman, built their house soon thereafter. was the early home of their son Vincent, a Revolutionary patriot whose own fine house of 1742 is a landmark in Dover."
In Scharf's "History of Delaware" (1888) one finds a brief and accurate description of the house as to its dimensions and adornments. He adds: "The slave quarters were a short distance away. Here Mr. Loockerman lived in the easy style of the old-time Southern gentleman, and here he died. He built a dam and sawmill at the head of St. Jones Creek, northeast of the house..."
The main significance of the Loockerman Hall mansion is its outstanding, handsome, and sturdy example of the Georgian plantation houses of America, and speaks eloquently of the culture of its era. It is one of high importance on any list of the old homes of Delaware and the Eastern Shore. Indeed, it is an important contributor to one of our country's greatest inheritances, the high quality of architecture.
Local significance of the building:
Sadly enough, this distinguished plantation mansion at the head of St. Jones River was allowed to fall into disuse and disrepair after seventy (70) years of usefulness as a classroom building and dormitory. After 1891 it had been the main building for the Delaware State College established that year.
The origin of the Loockerman family began in the 17th century with the arrival of the young Dutch Govert Loockerman in 1633 at New Amsterdam and soon becoming "the richest man in North America, being worth 52,000 Dutch guilders or about $208,099". Govert's son Jacob is recorded as moving to Talbot County on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where he sired (among other children) Nicholas Loockerman who moved to Kent County, Delaware.
A deed showing that in 1723 Nicholas bought Andrew Caldwell the tract of land known as part of "The Range, lying at the head of St. Jones River," for 100 pounds. Presumably, he and his wife, Susan Emerson Loockerman, built their house soon thereafter. was the early home of their son Vincent, a Revolutionary patriot whose own fine house of 1742 is a landmark in Dover."
In Scharf's "History of Delaware" (1888) one finds a brief and accurate description of the house as to its dimensions and adornments. He adds: "The slave quarters were a short distance away. Here Mr. Loockerman lived in the easy style of the old-time Southern gentleman, and here he died. He built a dam and sawmill at the head of St. Jones Creek, northeast of the house..."
The main significance of the Loockerman Hall mansion is its outstanding, handsome, and sturdy example of the Georgian plantation houses of America, and speaks eloquently of the culture of its era. It is one of high importance on any list of the old homes of Delaware and the Eastern Shore. Indeed, it is an important contributor to one of our country's greatest inheritances, the high quality of architecture.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
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 Delaware River, which borders the District of Delaware, played a significant role in the American Revolution. In December 1776, General George Washington and his troops famously crossed the Delaware River from Pennsylvania to launch a surprise attack on Hessian soldiers in Trenton, New Jersey.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.