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

Grand Lodge of Delaware A.F.&A.M.

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, January 18, 2016

1. Grand Lodge of Delaware A.F.&A.M. Marker

Inscription. Organized Freemasonry in Delaware can be traced to the mid-18th century. For many years Lodges were chartered by other states. On June 6, 1806, representatives of Masonic Lodges located in Wilmington, New Castle, Newark, and Laurel, met at this location for the purpose of organizing the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Delaware. Presiding officer was Jesse Green. At a meeting here the following day, warrants were issued to the aforesaid Lodges and leadership was elected. Gunning Bedford, Jr., a prominent Delawarean who had participated in the convention which framed the United States Constitution, was chosen to serve as the first Grand Master. The Grand Lodge continued to meet at this location for many years.

Erected 2006 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NC-156.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1806.

Location. 39° 44.498′ N, 75° 33.025′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is on N. Market Street, on the right when traveling north. Mark is at the base of the brick wall in front of the Old Town

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Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 510 N Market Street, Wilmington DE 19801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is 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: Old Town Hall (here, next to this marker); Willingtown Square (a few steps from this marker); Cook-Simms House, 1778 (a few steps from this marker); Tatnall Bell, 1800 (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilmington Historic Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Jacob and Obadiah Dingee Houses, 1771 and 1773 (within shouting distance of this marker); Coxe Houses, 1801 (within shouting distance of this marker); Jacobs House, 1748 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Willingtown Square (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Old Town Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, January 18, 2016

2. Old Town Hall

Distance view of Old Town Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, January 18, 2016

3. Distance view of Old Town Hall

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 700 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 19, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.