East Marlborough Township in Kennett Square in Chester County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Iron Snakes
Luke DiBearardinis
19th-century Reproduction, 2023
| | Forged iron | |
Adventure Awaits
The iron snakes lay curled in the grass near the farmhouse, their twisted forms glinting in the sunlight. They were curious find, remnants of a bygone era, and Longwood founder Pierre S. du Pont saw more than mere metal in their serpentine shapes; he saw potential for adventure.
Du Pont first discovered these 19th-century artifacts while surveying Peirce's Park and its surroundings. Instead of treating them as mere relics of the past, he decided to keep the snakes around to surprise his nieces and nephews; they are a lasting reminder of how a simple object can spark joy and connection.
Erected by Longwood Gardens.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 39° 52.393′ N, 75° 40.47′ W. Marker is in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, in Chester County. It is in East Marlborough Township. It can be reached from Longwood Road west of East Baltimore Pike (U.S. 1), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 335 Longwood
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania and in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Peirce-du Pont House (within shouting distance of this marker); Open Air Theatre (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Peirce's Park (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Open Air Theatre (about 300 feet away); Japanese Flowering Dogwood (about 300 feet away); A Century of Great Art (about 300 feet away); Flower Garden Walk (about 400 feet away); American Elm (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kennett Square.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Peirce - du Pont House (was within shouting distance of this marker
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 25, 2025
2. Iron Snakes Marker
If you look closely, you can see the iron snake sculptures in the plantings.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 37 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
