Kennett Township in Kennett Square in Chester County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Main Fountain Garden
| | Opened 1931, Renovated 2017 | |
Photographed by Pete Skillman, April 18, 2025
1. Main Fountain Garden Marker
The Main Fountain Garden is the culmination of the legacy and vision of our founder, Pierre S. du Pont. It combines classic garden design with spectacular fountains, music, and, on special occasions, fireworks!
Since its debut in 1931, the Main Fountain Garden has combined artistry and engineering to spectacular effect. At the time, its scale and grandeur were astonishing. Today, it still stands as one of the most impressive fountain gardens in the world.
Du Pont enjoyed the idea of gardens as theatre and of all the gardens at Longwood, this is the most theatrical.
[Captions:]
The fountains feature 1,719 jets and streams, the tallest of which can reach 175 feet. At night, a kaleidoscope of color illuminates and transforms the fountains beyond imagination. Thirty jets can ignite flames, adding excitement to the fountain performances.
An Engineered Spectacle
Pierre du Pont's vision and engineering shaped the original fountain systems. A 2017 renovation introduced new tunnels, mechanical infrastructure, and controls. Visit the Pumphouse beneath the Rectangular Basin to learn more.
The Main Fountain Garden in 1939: du Pont's vision realized.
Garden Design
Behind the garden, mature trees provide a backdrop for the large fountain features. Inside, a shady allee of trees and expressive boxwood hedges frame the European-inspired architecture, hand-carved Italianate limestone sculptures, and smaller fountains.
View of pathway along the upper canal.
Erected by Longwood
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment • Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1931.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 39° 52.345′ N, 75° 40.712′ W. Marker was in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, in Chester County. It was in Kennett Township. It could be reached from Longwood Road west of East Baltimore Pike (U.S. 1), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Kennett Square PA 19348, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Southeast Pennsylvania and in Greater Philadelphia. It was also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At
Photographed by Pete Skillman, April 18, 2025
2. Main Fountain Garden Marker - wide view
Other markers no longer nearby. Pierre S. du Pont, Fountain Visionary (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); An Engineer's Garden (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 18, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 126 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 18, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.
