Newark in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Pierre Samuel du Pont (1870-1954)
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 15, 2019
1. Pierre Samuel du Pont (1870-1954) Marker
Pierre S. du Pont can fairly be described as the founder of the modern University of Delaware. In 1915, he donated the money to purchase the land that is now The Green, which physically unified Delaware College and Women's College.
President of the Du Pont Company and General Motors simultaneously, Mr. du Pont believed education was essential to success. He was responsible for a transformation in Delaware public schools, and significant contributions were directed toward enhancing education for minorities.
His support was made possible by the University's program that came to be known nationally as the Junior Year Abroad, the first of its kind in the world. International study continues to be a popular option at the University.
Mr. du Pont was a reserved and modest man whose many and generous gifts were often made with a stipulation that he not be identified.
Erected by University of Delaware.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the University of Delaware series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.
Location. 39° 40.81′ N, 75° 45.118′ W. Marker is in Newark, Delaware
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Wilmington and in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic and on the Delmarva Peninsula. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: University of Delaware (within shouting distance of this marker); George Gillespie Evans (1815-1904) (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memoriam (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Walter J. Hullihen (1875-1944) (within shouting distance of this marker); Harry Fletcher Brown (1867-1944) (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert W. Gore, B.ChE., 1959 (within shouting distance of this marker); Samuel Chiles Mitchell (1864-1948) (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named In Memoriam (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newark.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 15, 2019
2. Pierre Samuel du Pont (1870-1954) Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 384 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 15, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
