Seaford in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Family Home of William H. H. Ross
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2014
1. Family Home of William H. H. Ross Marker
Delaware's 27th and
youngest governor from
1851 - 1855
This structure evolved from the original brick two story Federal style house built by the John Tennent family. Tennent purchased this land about 1776 and sold it to the Governor's father in 1836. A wooden section of the original structure is located in the back right corner.
To celebrate completion of their home, Governor and Mrs. Ross hosted a house warming part October, 1860.
Governor Ross was instrumental in extending the railroad from Dover to Seaford. He took advantage of this economic opportunity to ship goods to the city since the rails passed through the middle of his 1398 acres. A small "whistle stop" railroad station was constructed across from his house.
Can you identify three characteristics of Italian Villa style structures?
• A three story tower: the Victorian answer to air conditioning
by promoting air circulation throughout the house
• Arched windows and doors
• Decorative brackets under the eaves
The Interior of this thirteen room house features:
this page online
• Other Victorian Period furniture, artwork, wall coverings, lighting, and interior wooden shutters
• Original, detailed engraved ceiling moldings and medallions
• Personal objects interpreting everyday 19th century life
The Seaford Historical Society owns and maintains 20 acres of the original plantation.
Erected by Seaford Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1860.
Location. 38° 39.436′ N, 75° 37.121′ W. Marker is in Seaford, Delaware, in Sussex County. Marker can be reached from Ross Station Road. The marker is at The Ross Mansion at 23669 Ross Station Road, formerly 1101 N. Pine Street Extended. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Seaford DE 19973, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Slave Quarter (within shouting distance of this marker); Governor Ross Mansion (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Seaford High School (approx. ¾ mile away); Seaford Hundred (approx. 0.8 miles away); Seaford Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away); St. John's United Methodist Church (approx.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2014
2. Family Home of William H. H. Ross Marker
Additional commentary.
1. Southern Sympathy
The pamphlet available at the mansion says that "Ross was a southern sympathizer who aided the Confederacy during the Civil War. His son, Caleb, joined a Virginia Cavalry unit. To avoid arrest, Governor Ross fled to England."
— Submitted February 12, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2014
3. Family Home of William H. H. Ross Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2014
4. William Henry Harrison Ross
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2014
5. Ross Station
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2014
6. Family Home of William H. H. Ross
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 9, 2014
7. The Italianate Tower
Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 726 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 11, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
