Woodward Houses, Wilmington
The Woodward Houses, located at 701 and 703 North West Street in Wilmington, are rare surviving examples of 18th-century stone dwellings that showcase Georgian architectural style. The house at 701 was completed around 1745 and features a quarried granite fa莽ade, gable roof, and L-shaped, side-hall floor plan. Its neighbor at 703, finished circa 1760, is three feet shorter in both length and width and constructed from stuccoed stone. Though similar in layout and elevation, 703 underwent mid-19th-century and 1930s interior alterations to accommodate apartments. Local legend adds an extra layer of intrigue, claiming its hearthstone may have once formed part of the platform from which Thomas Jefferson read the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.
Both homes were likely built by Joseph Woodward, a Quaker ropemaker from West Chester, Pennsylvania, who contributed to Wilmington's shipbuilding industry through the production of rigging ropes for sailing vessels. The Woodward family鈥檚 trade played a key role in supporting the region鈥檚 maritime economy during the colonial period. Later, the properties became associated with the Bayard family, particularly James A. Bayard, a lawyer and U.S. Senator who vocally opposed abolition and supported Southern secession. His political stance and eventual resignation from the Senate over a refusal to swear loyalty to the Union marked his controversial legacy.
Despite successive waves of urban renewal, the Woodward Houses have endured as Wilmington鈥檚 only remaining stone homes from the 1700s with side-hall plans. Their architecture, historical lineage, and preservation reflect both the city's colonial roots and its turbulent national entanglements. In 1979, they were added to the National Register of Historic Places, securing their status as invaluable remnants of early Wilmington history.
Both homes were likely built by Joseph Woodward, a Quaker ropemaker from West Chester, Pennsylvania, who contributed to Wilmington's shipbuilding industry through the production of rigging ropes for sailing vessels. The Woodward family鈥檚 trade played a key role in supporting the region鈥檚 maritime economy during the colonial period. Later, the properties became associated with the Bayard family, particularly James A. Bayard, a lawyer and U.S. Senator who vocally opposed abolition and supported Southern secession. His political stance and eventual resignation from the Senate over a refusal to swear loyalty to the Union marked his controversial legacy.
Despite successive waves of urban renewal, the Woodward Houses have endured as Wilmington鈥檚 only remaining stone homes from the 1700s with side-hall plans. Their architecture, historical lineage, and preservation reflect both the city's colonial roots and its turbulent national entanglements. In 1979, they were added to the National Register of Historic Places, securing their status as invaluable remnants of early Wilmington history.
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Woodward Houses on Map
Sight Name: Woodward Houses
Sight Location: Wilmington, USA (See walking tours in Wilmington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Wilmington, USA (See walking tours in Wilmington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Wilmington, Delaware
Create Your Own Walk in Wilmington
Creating your own self-guided walk in Wilmington is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Wilmington Introduction Walking Tour
Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware. It lies at the confluence of the Brandywine and Christina Rivers. Wilmington was originally home to the Lenape people. However, the land was purchased from Chief Mattahorn by the Swedish South Company in 1638. They built Fort Christina at the mouth of what would later be called the Christina River.
The Swedish lost control of the Fort Christina... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The Swedish lost control of the Fort Christina... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Quaker Hill and Downtown Historical Buildings
For many visitors to Delaware's Wilmington, the downtown district is the main area of interest.
Indeed, the majority of Wilmington's most distinguished attractions are found here. Steeped in history, this part of the city still carries legacy of its first Swedish settlers much as that of the du Pont family who left a great deal of mark on the town's history. Some of the key local... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Indeed, the majority of Wilmington's most distinguished attractions are found here. Steeped in history, this part of the city still carries legacy of its first Swedish settlers much as that of the du Pont family who left a great deal of mark on the town's history. Some of the key local... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles