Brandywine Hundred in Claymont in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Darley House

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, November 22, 2008

1. The Darley House Marker

Inscription. The home of world-renowned illustrator Felix O.C. Darley (1822-1888). Built in the late 18th century and enlarged several times during the first half of the 19th century, the house was purchased by Darley in 1863 and renamed "The Wren's Nest." During his career, Darley illustrated books for Washington Irving, Edgar Allen Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Charles Dickens and James Fenimore Cooper. Two of his most notable works were Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle. Charles Dickens visited here for two weeks during his triumphant tour of America in 1867. This house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Erected 1993 by Delaware State Archives. (Marker Number NC-91.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.

Location. 39° 48.279′ N, 75° 27.251′ W. Marker is in Claymont, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Brandywine Hundred. It is at the intersection of Philadelphia Pike (U.S. 13) and Darley Road, on the left when traveling north on Philadelphia Pike. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Claymont DE 19703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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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: Claymont Stone School (a few steps from this marker); Church of the Ascension (within shouting distance of this marker); Archmere (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Patio (approx. 0.2 miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); In Honor of All Veterans (approx. 0.4 miles away); Old Claymont High School (approx. 0.6 miles away); Mother Catherine Rosarii (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Claymont.

Also see . . .
1. Felix O.C. Darley website. Who created the first Santa Claus? Thomas Nast or Felix Darley (Submitted on December 5, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

2. Darley House - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form.

During the middle years of the nineteenth century, the words, "illustrated by Darley” on the title page of a book almost guaranteed a successful edition. Felix Octavius Carr Darley worked during a period when an increased demand for moderately-priced books caused publishers to search for faster, less expensive, methods of reproduction, and for artists who could work with the new media.

(Submitted on April 22, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.)

The Darley House Marker Roadside image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith S Smith, December 13, 2012

2. The Darley House Marker Roadside

The Darley House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, November 22, 2008

3. The Darley House

Photographed by Keith S Smith, December 13, 2012

4. The Darley House

Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,426 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 5, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on July 21, 2013, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on December 5, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 4. submitted on July 21, 2013, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania.