Reed House
Lombard St., Leipsic, DEThe building's timber construction typifies the construction materials commonly employed in the flat sandy areas of southern Delaware's coastline where no natural stone existed for building purposes and brick was reserved for those who could afford to set up a clamp or kiln and fire their own. In plan, the Reed House is truly representative of the vast majority of Federal period domestic architecture where rich and poor alike occupied a single ground floor room.
Architecturally significant, the Reed House represents the late usage of a chambered hall plan. This arrangement consisting of a two-story dwelling with a single room on the ground floor and a fully developed chamber overhead was used by wealthy Delaware planters in the early eighteenth century. By the early nineteenth century (the period in which the Reed House was built) the chambered hall was no longer widely built. Its use here in conjunction with finely carved federal period mantels indicates the diminished but long-term perseverance of earlier Federal traditions by those who could afford to commission desirable dwellings.
The Reed House also provides a vital index to the geographic growth and commercial development of the village of Leipsic in the nineteenth century. This site, originally known as Fast Landing, constituted the easternmost plot of land of Little Duck Creek (now the Leipsic River) in an area otherwise dominated by marsh and tidal drains. The geographic setting of the dwelling demonstrates the way in which Leipsic's nineteenth-century inhabitants took part in trades and occupations closely linked to the water. From this location, the building's original owners and subsequent occupants enjoyed ready access to the water and its natural resources which supported a variety of land and water occupations. The dense marsh across the river supported an abundant muskrat population trapped for their pelts. Cutting marsh hay also contributed to the economic livelihood of the village. The harvested hay was used to produce cores for hollow-bodied iron castings, as cattle feed, or as packing material. The bulk of the one hundred tons of marsh hay annually cut in the vicinity of Leipsic was shipped directly to Wilmington and Philadelphia. The water not only supplied a variable harvest but was also the primary commercial avenue linking Leipsic to the urban centers of Philadelphia and Wilmington and the oyster shipping centers of Port Norris and Bivalve, New Jersey.
Local significance of the building:
Architecturally significant, the Reed House represents the late usage of a chambered hall plan. This arrangement consisting of a two-story dwelling with a single room on the ground floor and a fully developed chamber overhead was used by wealthy Delaware planters in the early eighteenth century. By the early nineteenth century (the period in which the Reed House was built) the chambered hall was no longer widely built. Its use here in conjunction with finely carved federal period mantels indicates the diminished but long-term perseverance of earlier Federal traditions by those who could afford to commission desirable dwellings.
The Reed House also provides a vital index to the geographic growth and commercial development of the village of Leipsic in the nineteenth century. This site, originally known as Fast Landing, constituted the easternmost plot of land of Little Duck Creek (now the Leipsic River) in an area otherwise dominated by marsh and tidal drains. The geographic setting of the dwelling demonstrates the way in which Leipsic's nineteenth-century inhabitants took part in trades and occupations closely linked to the water. From this location, the building's original owners and subsequent occupants enjoyed ready access to the water and its natural resources which supported a variety of land and water occupations. The dense marsh across the river supported an abundant muskrat population trapped for their pelts. Cutting marsh hay also contributed to the economic livelihood of the village. The harvested hay was used to produce cores for hollow-bodied iron castings, as cattle feed, or as packing material. The bulk of the one hundred tons of marsh hay annually cut in the vicinity of Leipsic was shipped directly to Wilmington and Philadelphia. The water not only supplied a variable harvest but was also the primary commercial avenue linking Leipsic to the urban centers of Philadelphia and Wilmington and the oyster shipping centers of Port Norris and Bivalve, New Jersey.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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.
In the 19th century, the District of Delaware was known for its production of gunpowder, and several gunpowder mills were established in the region. One of the most famous mills was the Hagley Powder Mills, which were founded by the DuPont family in the early 1800s. The mills were a major supplier of gunpowder to the U.S. military during the Civil War.
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.