Macomb Farm
a.k.a. Thomas Irons House
Long Point Rd. off DE 8, Dover, DEThe Macomb Farm is significant as a specimen of eighteenth-century Kent County brickwork executed to a high standard of craftsmanship. The floorplan and interior trim, while they are anomalies, deserve attention. In connection with two crucial Delaware figures of the Revolution, Judge Irons and Eleazer Macomb, the property has a measure of historical significance.
Judge Thomas Irons (1708-1784), bought the property now known as the Macomb farm before 1768. He left it to his grandson and namesake, Thomas I. Macomb, in his will. Although Judge Irons' farm was at least 445 acres the house now stands on a four-acre lot, owned by non-farmers.
Irons was the judge of the Kent Couty Court of Common Pleas, and the father-in-law of Eleazer Macomb, one of the commissioners who built the State House in Dover. Eleazer Macomb held military command and civil office during the Revolution and became State Auditor after the war; he was a banker and ship owner in Wilmington from 1792 until his death in 1798. His son, Thomas Irons Macomb, remained on the Little Creek Hundred farm until his death. His niece, the wife of Robert Frame, inherited the property in 1836. During much of the nineteenth century, the house was occupied by tenants; in 1854, it was described as being in "tolerable repair." This tenant-farm status may have helped to save the building from the ravages of modernization until 1940 when the large staircase was installed in the rear parlor.
In the hands of its present owners, the house has been modernized, but in a manner consistent with its historic fabric.
Local significance of the building:
Judge Thomas Irons (1708-1784), bought the property now known as the Macomb farm before 1768. He left it to his grandson and namesake, Thomas I. Macomb, in his will. Although Judge Irons' farm was at least 445 acres the house now stands on a four-acre lot, owned by non-farmers.
Irons was the judge of the Kent Couty Court of Common Pleas, and the father-in-law of Eleazer Macomb, one of the commissioners who built the State House in Dover. Eleazer Macomb held military command and civil office during the Revolution and became State Auditor after the war; he was a banker and ship owner in Wilmington from 1792 until his death in 1798. His son, Thomas Irons Macomb, remained on the Little Creek Hundred farm until his death. His niece, the wife of Robert Frame, inherited the property in 1836. During much of the nineteenth century, the house was occupied by tenants; in 1854, it was described as being in "tolerable repair." This tenant-farm status may have helped to save the building from the ravages of modernization until 1940 when the large staircase was installed in the rear parlor.
In the hands of its present owners, the house has been modernized, but in a manner consistent with its historic fabric.
Politics/government
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.