William Young House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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William Young House
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 Location in Delaware
Location in the United States
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| Location | 507 Black Gates Rd., near Rockland, Delaware |
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| Area | 1.1 acres (0.45 ha) |
| Built | 1802 |
| Architectural style | Early Republic |
| NRHP reference No. | 82001029 |
| Added to NRHP | October 29, 1982 |
The William Young House is a historic home located near Rockland in New Castle County, Delaware. This special house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It's a great example of old architecture and tells a story about early industries in the area.
Contents
What Makes the William Young House Special?
The William Young House was built in 1802. It's a large, two-story building made of stone. The house has a special roof shape called a "hipped roof." It was built in the Georgian style, which was popular a long time ago. The main part of the house is about 50 feet long and 34 feet wide. There's also a kitchen area that measures 26 feet by 28 feet.
A Look at the Outside
The outside of the house is made of stone. Today, it's painted white. However, there's a hint that it might have been covered in a smooth plaster, called stucco, when it was first built. The house stands alone on a hill, facing west. It has a raised area around it with a stone wall. This makes the house look even more grand and important.
Why is it Important?
The William Young House is important for a few reasons. First, it's a really good example of the "late High Georgian" style of architecture in Delaware. This style was common in the early 1800s. Second, the house shows us how important William Young was in the community. He was a mill owner, and his house on the hilltop showed his success. It helps us understand what life was like during the early industrial times in the Brandywine Valley.
Who Was William Young?
William Young was the person who built this house. He was also the owner of important paper and textile mills. These mills were a big part of the Rockland Historic District.
From Scotland to Delaware
William Young came from a place called Irvine in Scotland. He moved to Philadelphia in 1784. There, he started a business selling and publishing books. His shop was close to Independence Hall.
A New Business: Paper Making
Around 1794, William Young moved to Rockland, Delaware. He started a new business making paper. He was very good at it! He even received a medal for making paper from mulberry roots.
Moving into Textiles
In 1813, Young started another mill called the Delaware Woolen Company. This mill made suit cloth and other fabrics. A year later, his paper mill burned down. After that, he focused mostly on making textiles. In 1822, they started working with cotton at a new mill. This mill was named the Wallace Cotton Factory, after Young's son, William Wallace.
Family Business and Beyond
William Young also started the Rockland Manufacturing Company. His sons, William Wallace and Evan, later took over the business. Over time, other companies owned these mills. Today, the spot where Young's original mill stood is now part of Brandywine Creek State Park.
References
- Montgomery, Elizabeth. Reminiscences of Wilmington: In Familiar Village Tales, Ancient and New. T.K. Collins, Jr., 1851.
- Maynard, W. Barksdale. The Brandywine: An Intimate Portrait. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2015.
- Zebley, Frank R. Along the Brandywine. William M. Cann, Inc., 1940.
