Brandywine Hundred in Claymont in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Robinson House
The oldest portion of this structure is believed to have been built circa 1730. In the 1740s the house and surrounding property were sold to Philadelphia merchant Thomas Robinson. Other holdings included a milling operation and landing on nearby Naamans Creek. Following Thomas Robinsons death the house passed to his son and namesake. Commissioned as a Pennsylvania Continental Army officer at the outset of the Revolution, the younger Thomas rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel, serving with distinction during the war. The proximity of the Robinson House to one of the countrys major transportation corridors made it a landmark for passing travelers and it is believed that many prominent figures stopped to visit. The house was sold by the Robinson family in 1851. For a time during the 20th century it was operated as a restaurant known as Naamans Tea House. The Robinson House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1971
Erected 2006 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NC-160.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Buildings. 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 1730.
Location.
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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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Hickman Row (approx. 0.4 miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Church of the Ascension (approx. Ύ mile away); The Darley House (approx. Ύ mile away); Claymont Stone School (approx. 0.8 miles away); Archmere (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Patio (approx. 0.9 miles away); In Honor of All Veterans (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Claymont.
Regarding Robinson House. The Blockhouse may be the oldest surviving building in Delaware. Johan Rising, in October 1654, selected a site on Haaman's Creek for a sawmill, the Colony's first in which blades newly brought from Sweden were to be installed the following spring. The Swedes customarily fortified their industrial installations, especially those equipped with imported implements. In September 1655, the Swedes were defeated by a Dutch expedition. Architects finds the Blockhouse structurally compatible with such a history and purpose.
Also see . . .
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, November 22, 2008
2. Robinson House Marker
This is a photo of the marker from when it was much newer and still shined.
From the middle seventeenth century the immediate vicinity of the Robinson House has been a significant milling center. In 1701 a gristmill across the King's Highway was a landmark in the survey of the circular boundary now dividing Delaware and Pennsylvania. The mills and their supporting lands, including the Robinson House site, was purchased by a merchant. Thomas Robinson in the period 1745-1751 and remained in his family about a century, the House being the home of the successive owners. It is an architecturally fine building.(Submitted on April 22, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.)
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 10, 2024
3. Robinson House Marker adjacent to the building
National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form
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Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, November 22, 2008
4. Robinson House
Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, November 22, 2008
5. Robinson House
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 3,239 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 11, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on December 26, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on February 11, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 4, 5. submitted on December 26, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
