Reed, Jehu, House
U.S. 113 and DE 8, Little Heaven, DEThe Jehu Reed House, home of an early pioneer in scientific agriculture, survives as an example of a house that was enlarged and improved to conform to changing tastes and economic status.
In 1685 a tract of land called "Bartlett's Lot" was taken up by Nicholas Bartlett, Samuel Burberry, and John Newell. John Newell obtained most of the tract, which descended to his son, also named John. John Newell (II) sired Henry Newell, who "settled on his father's place." Henry Newell married Margaret Wilson and erected a house in 1771. Because Henry died without a son, the property was willed to his three daughters.
Ann Newell bought her two sisters' property rights and married Elias Sipple in 1786. The daughter of this union, Margaret Sipple, married Jehu Reed in 1827. By 1829 Jehu Reed was known for his intelligent farm practices, and helped spread the acceptance of "scientific farming" throughout the state. He is said to have been the first in Kent County to introduce the cultivation of peaches on budded trees.
In 1858 Jehu M. Reed, son of Jehu Reed and Margaret Sipple, bought the Reed Farm. He expanded the farm activities to include the cultivation of other fruits and some vegetables. Prompted by the prosperity of the farmlands, Jehu M. Reed enlarged the eighteenth-century farmhouse to accommodate his style of living. Rather than obliterate the original house, however, Reed incorporated it into the fabric of his Victorian plantation house.
The farm continued in the possession of the Reed family until the early portion of the twentieth century when it was bought by Arley Magee, a Dover lawyer and Judge of the Court of common Pleas. Since then the house has changed ownership several times.
Local significance of the building:
In 1685 a tract of land called "Bartlett's Lot" was taken up by Nicholas Bartlett, Samuel Burberry, and John Newell. John Newell obtained most of the tract, which descended to his son, also named John. John Newell (II) sired Henry Newell, who "settled on his father's place." Henry Newell married Margaret Wilson and erected a house in 1771. Because Henry died without a son, the property was willed to his three daughters.
Ann Newell bought her two sisters' property rights and married Elias Sipple in 1786. The daughter of this union, Margaret Sipple, married Jehu Reed in 1827. By 1829 Jehu Reed was known for his intelligent farm practices, and helped spread the acceptance of "scientific farming" throughout the state. He is said to have been the first in Kent County to introduce the cultivation of peaches on budded trees.
In 1858 Jehu M. Reed, son of Jehu Reed and Margaret Sipple, bought the Reed Farm. He expanded the farm activities to include the cultivation of other fruits and some vegetables. Prompted by the prosperity of the farmlands, Jehu M. Reed enlarged the eighteenth-century farmhouse to accommodate his style of living. Rather than obliterate the original house, however, Reed incorporated it into the fabric of his Victorian plantation house.
The farm continued in the possession of the Reed family until the early portion of the twentieth century when it was bought by Arley Magee, a Dover lawyer and Judge of the Court of common Pleas. Since then the house has changed ownership several times.
Agriculture; 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.
In 1954, the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education was filed in the District of Delaware. The case, which challenged the constitutionality of racial segregation in public schools, was one of the most important civil rights cases in American history.
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.