The Barracks - Smyrna, DE
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member bluesnote
N 39° 18.028 W 075° 36.364
18S E 447741 N 4350295
A historic building in Smyrna, Delaware.
Waymark Code: WM15MXH
Location: Delaware, United States
Date Posted: 01/23/2022
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member Dragontree
Views: 0

The plaque says, "This longtime Smyrna landmark was constructed by Robert Holliday in the late 18th century. The first known residents of the home are believed to have been the family of his daughter, Susannah Holliday Wilson. The origin of the name “The Barracks” is uncertain, but records confirm that it was known as such from an early date. After being sold by the Wilson family in 1818, the property changed ownership on several occasions during the following four decades. One owner of note was Presley Spruance, United States Senator from Delaware (1847-1853). From 1859 until 1905 the home was the property of James P. Hoffecker, a prominent local druggist. During his ownership the building was renovated and expanded to include a store for his place of business. In 1863, Smyrna became the headquarters for the enrollment of Union troops in Delaware, and on August 12 of that year the state’s first Civil War draft lottery drawing was held on the front porch of The Barracks.

Following many years of use by a variety of businesses, the adjoining store was removed in 1975. On December 10, 1981, The Barracks was formally conveyed to the Duck Creek Historical Society. It became the Smyrna Museum in 1989."
Earliest Recorded Date of Construction: 01/01/1790

Additional Dates of Construction:
Built in the late 18th century.


Architectural Period/Style: Colonial

Architect (if known): Unknown

Landscape Designer (if known): Unknown

Type of Building e.g. Country House, Stately Home, Manor:
Home


Interesting Historical Facts or Connections:
Now a museum


Listed Building Status (if applicable): Contributing Property

Main Material of Construction: Brick

Private/Public Access: Museum

Admission Fee (if applicable): 0.00 (listed in local currency)

Rating:

Opening Hours (if applicable): Not listed

Related Website: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Tell us about your visit with any details of interest about the property. Please supply at least one original photograph from a different aspect taken on your current visit.
Search for...
Geocaching.com Google Map
Google Maps
MapQuest
Bing Maps
Nearest Waymarks
Nearest Pre-Victorian Historic Homes
Nearest Geocaches
Create a scavenger hunt using this waymark as the center point
Recent Visits/Logs:
There are no logs for this waymark yet.