New Castle Hundred in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Read House & Gardens

Delaware Historical Society

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, April 9, 2012

1. Read House & Gardens Marker

Inscription. In 1797 the foundation of George Read II's mansion was laid only feet from his statesman father's home on a busy New Castle street. By 1805 the stylish Federal period house towered over its neighbors. A fire claimed the home of George Read I, as well as most of the buildings on the southern end of the block, in 1824. Townspeople rebuilt, but the two lots in front of you remained open. George Read II owned both lots in 1833 as well as the open river lot behind you.

Immediately after purchasing the house in 1846, second owner William Couper and his family added a formal garden that stretched back to Second Street. He and his family also purchased the lot to the north of the Read House. In the early 1900s third owners Philip and Lydia Laird laid brick sidewalks throughout the garden and erected brick walls to unify their property with the streetscape.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1797.

Location. 39° 39.572′ N, 75° 33.697′ W. Marker is in New Castle, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in New Castle Hundred. It is on The Strand. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Castle DE 19720, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Wilmington and in Greater Philadelphia.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic

and on the Delmarva Peninsula.

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: Home of George Read (a few steps from this marker); In Memory of Philip and Lydia Laird

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Packet Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); The Welcome Society of Pennsylvania (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Frenchtown Railroad Sleepers (about 300 feet away); Presbyterian Church (about 300 feet away); New Castle Common (about 400 feet away); William Penn (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Castle.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 1, 2019

2. Read House & Gardens Marker

Marker can be seen along the wall. It is the second marker from the left.

George Read II House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, April 9, 2012

3. George Read II House

Gardens are to the left of the house.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 901 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on April 21, 2012, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Photos: 1. submitted on April 21, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on February 2, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3. submitted on April 21, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.