Smyrna in Kent County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Barracks
Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, December 15, 2010
1. The Barracks Marker
Inscription.
The Barracks. . 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 Duck Creek Historical Society. It became the Smyrna Museum in 1989.
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 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
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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. Marker 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.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 923 times since then and 35 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.
