Duck Creek Hundred in Smyrna in Kent County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Barracks

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, December 15, 2010

1. The Barracks Marker

Inscription. This longtime Smyrna landmark was constructed by Robert Holliday in the late 18th century. The first known residents of the home are believed to have been the family of his daughter, Susannah Holliday Wilson. The origin of the name “The Barracks” is uncertain, but records confirm that it was known as such from an early date. After being sold by the Wilson family in 1818, the property changed ownership on several occasions during the following four decades. One owner of note was Presley Spruance, United States Senator from Delaware (1847-1853). From 1859 until 1905 the home was the property of James P. Hoffecker, a prominent local druggist. During his ownership the building was renovated and expanded to include a store for his place of business. In 1863, Smyrna became the headquarters for the enrollment of Union troops in Delaware, and on August 12 of that year the state’s first Civil War draft lottery drawing was held on the front porch of The Barracks.

Following many years of use by a variety of businesses, the adjoining store was removed in 1975. On December 10, 1981, The Barracks was formally conveyed to the

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Duck Creek Historical Society. It became the Smyrna Museum in 1989.

Erected 2003 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number KC-85.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1924.

Location. 39° 18.024′ N, 75° 36.359′ W. Marker is in Smyrna, Delaware, in Kent County. It is in Duck Creek Hundred. It is on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11 South Main Street, Smyrna DE 19977, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Delaware’s Southern New Castle County. 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,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

Photographed by Adam Margolis, January 19, 2022

2. The Barracks Marker

The marker has weathered, slightly.

of this marker: The Gray Box Chateau (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Smyrna Opera House and Old Town Hall (about 400 feet away); Richard Allen (about 500 feet away); The Delaware House (about 500 feet away); Site of Green Pottery (about 600 feet away); In Memory of Victor D. Ennis (about 700 feet away); Citizens' Hose Company No. 1. Inc. (about 700 feet away); Home of Allen McLane (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Smyrna.

National Register of Historic Places Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, December 15, 2010

3. National Register of Historic Places Marker

The Barracks image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, December 15, 2010

4. The Barracks

Now occupied by the Smyrna Museum.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, January 19, 2022

5. The Barracks

Smyrna Museum Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, January 19, 2022

6. Smyrna Museum Sign

Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,290 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 16, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on January 23, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3, 4. submitted on December 16, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 5, 6. submitted on January 23, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California.