Near Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Woodland Trailhead
Built Circa 1915
"It has always been our desire to do something to the woods surrounding our property," Alfred I. duPont informed his architect, Thomas Hastings, in 1915, "with a view to making it more attractive, [with] some roads and paths through it." Workers extended the estate's main drive through the woods, blazed walking trails, and built artificial pools fed by natural springs. Jessie duPont enjoyed walking on these trails on warm summer evenings to hear the calls of thrushes, warblers and other birds which nested in the woods.
During the 1950s, Mrs. duPont's tree specialist, William Bergman, expanded the trails, creating a network totaling more than five miles in length. He also planted magnolias, laurels and other trees and shrubs, including non-native species.
In recent years, Nemours Foundation has transferred much of the estate's wooded areas to the State of Delaware, leaving about 30 acres.
Erected by Nemours Estate.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Horticulture & Forestry • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.
Location. 39° 46.5′ N, 75° 33.337′ W.
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: Laundry (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nemours Estate (approx. 0.2 miles away); Greenhouse Complex (approx. 0.2 miles away); Water Tower (approx. 0.2 miles away); Farm Equipment (approx. Ό mile away); a different marker also named Farm Equipment (approx. Ό mile away); New Pump House (approx. Ό mile away); Old Pump House (approx.
Additional keywords. landscape architecture
Credits. This page was last revised on May 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 108 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 1, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
