Cool Spring in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Cool Spring Park
With the completion of Cool Spring Reservoir in 1877, an adjoining parcel of unused land was reserved for park purposes. Formally designated as Cool Spring Park, the grounds were managed by the Wilmington Water Department until 1967, when the City Parks Department assumed responsibility. The reservoir and park were named for the natural springs of the area. Cool Spring was also the name of the nearby home of Caesar A. Rodney, a member of Congress and United States Attorney General in the administration of President Thomas Jefferson.
Construction of the reservoir resulted in rapid growth and development on the West Side of the city. The park soon became the center of a thriving neighborhood that was home to many of the city’s businesspersons and shopkeepers. A focal point for the community, the park has been used for various activities including the annual Wilmington Flower Market, which was held from the 1920s to the 1950s. The park’s interesting variety of trees is a result of the tradition of adding one each year during the Flower Market. In 1983, Cool Spring Park and the surrounding neighborhood were formally listed in the National Register of Historic Places as the Cool Spring Historic District.
Erected 2002 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NC-121.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.
Location. 39° 45′ N, 75° 33.497′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Cool Spring. Marker is at the intersection of 10th Street and Van Buren St., on the right when traveling west on 10th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wilmington DE 19806, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rain Garden / Jardin De Lluvia (within shouting distance of this marker); Stormwater Planters / Jardineras De Aguas Pluviales (within shouting distance of this marker); The Pump House and Gate House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Meadow / El Prado (about 300 feet away); A City Park Is Born (about 400 feet away); Vegetative Pond Buffer / Amortiguador de Estanque Vegetativo (about 500 feet away); Evolution of Safe Drinking Water (about 500 feet away); Science in Action (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,757 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 31, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.