Hagley Museum near Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Powdermen
Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 6, 2023
1. The Powdermen Marker
Most of the men who worked in these mills were immigrants or the sons of immigrants. Many were Irish, but there were also English, French, and Italians. They walked to work each morning from their homes in villages bordering the powder yards. The workday was long, usually ten hours a day, six days a week. The only holidays were Christmas and the Fourth of July.
The work was dangerous. Safety rules were strict; no metal could be worn or carried into the powder yards, and the carrying of matches was cause for immediate dismissal. Despite all the precautions, 228 people died in explosions here during the 120 years of operations.
Erected by the Hagley Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 39° 46.732′ N, 75° 34.39′ W. Marker is near Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Hagley Museum. It can be reached from Hagley Creek Road 1.2 miles north of Old Barley Bill Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, on the Delmarva Peninsula, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: Hercules "Type A" Turbine Water Wheel (a few steps from this marker); Millwright Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Site A: Millwright Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Stone Boat (within shouting distance of this marker); Stone Quarry (within shouting distance of this marker); Hagley Rocks! (within shouting distance of this marker); The Evolution of the Incorporating Process (within shouting distance of this marker); J.E. Rhoads & Sons of Delaware Tanbark Stone (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.
Also see . . . Powder Workers, 1820-1860.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 6, 2023
2. The Powdermen Marker
DuPont created accounts with each employee into which the company deposited pay. Operatives had the option of either withdrawing their earnings or leaving the money on deposit. Monies left in these accounts could be put to such uses as paying boarding charges, taxes, doctor fees, or company store bills. The Company, in effect, acted as a bank for employees and even paid interest on sums over $100.(Submitted on June 20, 2023.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 30, 2023
3. The Powdermen Marker
By Pierre A. Gentieu, via Hagley Museum and Library Collection (Public Domain), circa 1900
4. Powdermen in front of Hagley Yard office
Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 282 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 20, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on September 2, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 4. submitted on June 20, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
