Port Penn Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Port Penn Historic District
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Port Penn Schoolhouse, Port Penn Historic District, December 2011
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 Location in Delaware
Location in the United States
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| Location | DE 9, Port Penn, Delaware |
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| Area | 71 acres (29 ha) |
| Built | 1764 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000907 |
| Added to NRHP | November 20, 1978 |
The Port Penn Historic District is a special area in Port Penn, Delaware, located in New Castle County, Delaware. It's like a time capsule! This district protects 48 important buildings and 5 historic sites. These places show what the town looked like long ago.
The district covers the original eight blocks of Port Penn. It also includes a small extension from the 1800s. The oldest building here is the Dr. David Stewart House, built in 1755. This historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a group of buildings, structures, or sites. They are important because of their history, architecture, or culture. When an area becomes a historic district, it means these places are protected. This helps keep their original look and feel for future generations. It's like preserving a piece of the past!
Discovering Port Penn's Past
Port Penn is a small town with a big history. It sits near the Delaware River. The town played a role in shipping and trade many years ago. The buildings in the historic district tell stories of the people who lived and worked there.
Notable Buildings and Homes
Many buildings in the Port Penn Historic District are very old. They show different styles of architecture from the 1700s and 1800s.
- Dr. David Stewart House: This house dates back to 1755. It is the oldest building in the district. Imagine living in a house built before the United States was even a country!
- Port Penn School: This building reminds us of how children learned in the past. Schools are often important community centers.
- Presbyterian Church: Churches were central to community life. This church shows the religious history of Port Penn.
- Joseph Cleaver House: Built around 1835, this house is another example of the homes from that time.
- St. Daniel's Methodist Church: This church also played a key role in the town's social and spiritual life.
Other interesting buildings include the Bunlap, or Bendler House (1790s), the Cleaver-Hall House, and "Linden Hall" (late 1840s). Each building adds to the unique character of the district.
Why is Port Penn Special?
The Port Penn Historic District is special because it keeps a large part of the town's history alive. By protecting these buildings, we can learn about life in early America. It helps us understand how communities grew and changed over time. Being on the National Register of Historic Places means it's recognized as important across the country.
Gallery
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Presbyterian Church
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Joseph Cleaver House
