Iron Hill Park near Newark in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Site of the First Iron Hill School
Ca. 1880 - 1920
Iron Hill Museum & Science Center
— Delaware Academy of Science —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 30, 2023
1. Site of the First Iron Hill School Marker
Unfortunately the marker has been damaged.
On the ground before you are the archaeological remains of the original Iron Hill School #112C. The one-room school was constructed for the education of African-American students in the Iron Hill area. Archival records suggest that the school operated from the 1880's to approximately 1915.
At that time the school closed and the students temporarily attended school in nearby churches. The new Iron Hill School (currently the museum building), was constructed by P.S. DuPont as part of a statewide African-American public education program and opened in 1923.
The building that formerly stood on this site was sold at auction on October 17, 1923 at the Deer Park Tavern. The building was moved via wagon to a site on US Route 40 near the Pleasant Valley Road intersection. The relocated school building was used as a private residence until the 1940s.
Christopher Trahan
The work on this site, (clearing, installation of stone path, fencing, and signage), was apart of Christopher Trahan's eagle scout project, performed under the guidance of Archaeologist Barb Silber. Christopher is a member of troop 444 in Elkton.
Erected by Delaware Academy of Science.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans
this page online
Location. 39° 37.851′ N, 75° 45.525′ W. Marker has been reported damaged. Marker is near Newark, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Iron Hill Park. Marker can be reached from South Old Baltimore Pike east of Whittaker Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1360 S Old Baltimore Pike, Newark DE 19702, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Ninety Years Recording the Black Population of Pencader Hundred: The U.S. Census (within shouting distance of this marker); Iron Hill School #112-C (within shouting distance of this marker); What is the mound behind this sign? (within shouting distance of this marker); The Iron Hill Community: Free Black Landowners (within shouting distance of this marker); The Civil War 1861 - 1865 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Education for ALL, Past and Present: Iron Hill School, No. 112C / Iron Hill School #112C (about 300 feet away); Historic Roads of Newark, Delaware / Petrified Log from Central Delaware (about 300 feet away); Iron Mining on Iron and Chestnut Hills, A Timeline (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newark.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 30, 2023
2. Site of the First Iron Hill School Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 31, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 40 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 31, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
