Mordington
a.k.a. Douglass House
S of Frederica on Canterbury Rd., Frederica, DESituated in Milford Hundred, Mordington represents the lifestyle of a very prosperous eighteenth-century mill owner in Delaware.
In 1785 James Douglass bought fourteen and a half acres of land and cripple (wetlands) on Brown's Branch of Murderkill Creek from William Frazier. This adjoined property at the mill pond dam, which Douglass had bought earlier. It is believed that a frame dwelling was already on the property when Douglass bought it. A family descendant, the late Clayton Douglass Buck, believed that the brick house was built by James Douglass' son Walter. The name "Mordington" is said to be taken from the Scottish title of an ancestor who was created Baron Mordington of Clyde by King Charles I.
The Douglass family built mills at the mill pond dam; by 1822 Walter Douglass had increased his holdings there to more than five hundred acres. It is noted in family documents that the mill seat was used for smelting bog iron. Walter Douglass and his brother William were also involved in several other ironworks in Sussex County particularly the Deep Creek Furnace at the head of the Nanticoke. It is probable that they used the Mordington mill seat to power a bloomery forge, as well as for grinding grain. Certain sources indicate the presence of two water wheels and three pairs of stones in the gristmill. The remains of the stones are found around the house.
Walter Douglass' widow Harriet Middleton Douglass sold her dower rights in Mordington to Charles Kimmey in 1828. The property passed through several other owners before being deeded in 1848 to Joseph O. McColley who gave his name to the mill pond. At this point, the Mordington Mills included a gristmill, a sawmill and a bark mill. Only traces of these remain today.
There is not only history but folklore involved with the house. One of these legends concerns a slave girl who haunts the house, having jumped to her death from an upper floor after being unjustly punished. Another legend concerns a man who came home drunk one night and led his horse up the stairs.
Local significance of the building:
In 1785 James Douglass bought fourteen and a half acres of land and cripple (wetlands) on Brown's Branch of Murderkill Creek from William Frazier. This adjoined property at the mill pond dam, which Douglass had bought earlier. It is believed that a frame dwelling was already on the property when Douglass bought it. A family descendant, the late Clayton Douglass Buck, believed that the brick house was built by James Douglass' son Walter. The name "Mordington" is said to be taken from the Scottish title of an ancestor who was created Baron Mordington of Clyde by King Charles I.
The Douglass family built mills at the mill pond dam; by 1822 Walter Douglass had increased his holdings there to more than five hundred acres. It is noted in family documents that the mill seat was used for smelting bog iron. Walter Douglass and his brother William were also involved in several other ironworks in Sussex County particularly the Deep Creek Furnace at the head of the Nanticoke. It is probable that they used the Mordington mill seat to power a bloomery forge, as well as for grinding grain. Certain sources indicate the presence of two water wheels and three pairs of stones in the gristmill. The remains of the stones are found around the house.
Walter Douglass' widow Harriet Middleton Douglass sold her dower rights in Mordington to Charles Kimmey in 1828. The property passed through several other owners before being deeded in 1848 to Joseph O. McColley who gave his name to the mill pond. At this point, the Mordington Mills included a gristmill, a sawmill and a bark mill. Only traces of these remain today.
There is not only history but folklore involved with the house. One of these legends concerns a slave girl who haunts the house, having jumped to her death from an upper floor after being unjustly punished. Another legend concerns a man who came home drunk one night and led his horse up the stairs.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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.
Delaware was one of the few slave states that remained in the Union during the American Civil War, and the District of Delaware was the site of several notable cases related to slavery and the Civil War. For example, in 1861, a group of slaves in Delaware attempted to escape to freedom on a ship called the Pearl, which was intercepted and brought back to Delaware. The case, which became known as the "Pearl Incident," was one of the earliest examples of a slave rebellion in the United States.
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.