Ruth Mansion House
Main St., Leipsic, DEThe Ruth Mansion House today shelters several families in apartments that divide the interior. This division may be the result of an earlier owner's last will, dated 1822. William Ruth divided his home lot between his son, Samuel, and Peter Stout, probably a son-in-law. The dividing line began at a corner of the road leading to Muddy Branch and continued through the house's front yard, running along the wall separating the hall room from the entry, thence to the adjoining property line on the road. Ruth specified that the line
through the house is repeated on the second floor and in the attic. Samuel got the north end of the house and property, and Peter the south end.
William Ruth had prospered in business, judging from the property mentioned in his will. In his will, he left a dry goods store to his son and son-in-law; his daughter's legacy included a blacksmith and wheelwright shop, together with an adjoining parcel of land.
The Ruth Mansion was already a landmark in Leipsic, then called Fort Landing, well-known during William Ruth's lifetime. When the General Assembly set up five Kent County election districts in 1811, William Ruth's house was a polling place for Little Creek.
William Ruth was also involved in schemes for public free education in Delaware. Until 1792, free education was non-existent in the State.
The Delaware Constitution of that year provided for free schools, to be supported by the State, but not until 1796 did the legislature designate tavern license and marriage license fees to be used for this purpose. The fund created by the 1796 Act lay dormant until 1817 when an appropriation was made for the education of the poor. William Ruth served as one of the five trustees for the distribution of this appropriation, which was too small to be effective. Since the fund was designated a charity, it was severely limited.
Local significance of the building:
through the house is repeated on the second floor and in the attic. Samuel got the north end of the house and property, and Peter the south end.
William Ruth had prospered in business, judging from the property mentioned in his will. In his will, he left a dry goods store to his son and son-in-law; his daughter's legacy included a blacksmith and wheelwright shop, together with an adjoining parcel of land.
The Ruth Mansion was already a landmark in Leipsic, then called Fort Landing, well-known during William Ruth's lifetime. When the General Assembly set up five Kent County election districts in 1811, William Ruth's house was a polling place for Little Creek.
William Ruth was also involved in schemes for public free education in Delaware. Until 1792, free education was non-existent in the State.
The Delaware Constitution of that year provided for free schools, to be supported by the State, but not until 1796 did the legislature designate tavern license and marriage license fees to be used for this purpose. The fund created by the 1796 Act lay dormant until 1817 when an appropriation was made for the education of the poor. William Ruth served as one of the five trustees for the distribution of this appropriation, which was too small to be effective. Since the fund was designated a charity, it was severely limited.
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.
The District of Delaware was established on September 24, 1789, as one of the original 13 federal judicial districts. It was the first district to be created after the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
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.