St. Joseph's Industrial School
a.k.a. CRS no. K-5054
355 W. Duck Creek Rd., Clayton, DESt. Joseph's Industrial School, located on Duck Creek Road near Clayton, Kent County, Delaware is being listed on the National Register of Historic Places under criteria A and C, for its historical importance as an educational institution for young African American men during the time of segregation, and for the architectural significance of the Chapel, a sophisticated example of an Italianate style, basilica-form church, expressed in wood and built in 1896. Founded by the St. Joseph Society of the Sacred Heart of Catholic Church, the St. Joseph's Industrial School provided an opportunity for "worthy" African American boys with up to five years of industrial training, and secular and religious education beyond elementary school.
The Josephite Order of the Sacred Heart was founded with the mission of evangelizing to the African-American population through education and social service. In Delaware, the Josephite Fathers, through the leadership of Father John DeRuyter, established a mission presence with a complex in Wilmington with the St. Joseph's Church (NR pending), rectory, convent, and orphanage (last three non-extant), located on French Street. Beyond evangelization, these priests were concerned with the welfare of the African-American community in America, and they employed strategies used by others to successfully bring their disadvantaged student population into society as self-sufficient and productive members.
Local significance of the district:
The Josephite Order of the Sacred Heart was founded with the mission of evangelizing to the African-American population through education and social service. In Delaware, the Josephite Fathers, through the leadership of Father John DeRuyter, established a mission presence with a complex in Wilmington with the St. Joseph's Church (NR pending), rectory, convent, and orphanage (last three non-extant), located on French Street. Beyond evangelization, these priests were concerned with the welfare of the African-American community in America, and they employed strategies used by others to successfully bring their disadvantaged student population into society as self-sufficient and productive members.
Black; Architecture; Education
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
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.
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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 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.