Hagley Museum near Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Water

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 27, 2025

1. Water Marker

Inscription. The Brandywine River, or more specifically, the ability to harness the power of the Brandywine River, was arguably the most important factor in the early success of DuPont. Traveling from Pennsylvania's piedmont region to the coastal plain at Wilmington, the Brandywine drops more than 120 feet in its last five miles. This constantly flowing water is redirected to the hand-dug Mill race behind you. From there, the water can be released to turn waterwheels and turbines that powered the heavy machinery used to make gunpowder. This is 19th-century renewable energy at its finest.

Erected by Hagley Museum and Library.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 39° 46.657′ N, 75° 34.439′ W. Marker is near Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Hagley Museum. It can be reached from Hagley Creek Road north of Blacksmith Hill Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington DE

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19807, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Rocks (here, next to this marker); Sourcing Materials (here, next to this marker); Trees (here, next to this marker); The DuPont Company Grows Quickly (here, next to this marker); Beyond the Brandywine (here, next to this marker); The Hagley Story / The du Pont Story (a few steps from this marker); Natural Resources (a few steps from this marker); Victor du Pont (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 27, 2025

2. Water Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 93 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 29, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.