From the smallest state and the least populated, Delaware packs a punch as one of the first of the thirteen original colonies to ratify the Constitution in 1787. This “First State” is one of five without sales tax, only has three counties, and has a thriving tourism industry with people from Washington D.C. enjoying the Atlantic Sandy Shore. Speaking of Delaware’s tourism industry and packing a punch, Route 52 is not only a state highway, it’s also part of Kennett Turnpike, Brandyvalley National Scenic Byway, and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway.
Delaware’s Route 52 is full of fascinating tourist destinations like the Museum of Natural History, The Winterthur Museum and Country Estate, and the Brandywine Creek State Park and the First State National Park. There are also two unincorporated communities: Centerville and Montchanin. Most of Centerville is a historical district and home to the DuPont family—one of the wealthiest families in the US since the mid-19th century after founding the gunpower business and later, General Motors. Centerville is made up of a group of 15 houses since 1811 and now is home to the Layton Preparatory School. The neighboring unincorporated village is Montchanin: a triangular settlement between three intersecting roads. This initially 2.4 acre village was the home of the nearby DuPont Black Powder Mills workers. In 1869, the railroad grew the area significantly, and moreso in 1889 when a new railroad station and post office were built. These are along Kennett Pike, which was built between 1811 and 1813 and would later join Delaware Route 52 in 1936.
The land area began as a 30,000 acre tract by William Penn to his children, called Stenning Manor, and was surveyed in 1701. The first documented reference to Kennett Township is from February 1705. Early settlers cultivated the fertile soil of the area and began farming. After numerous farmers successfully harvested produce, they transported their goods to Philadelphia and Wilmington in horse-drawn carriages, which proved to be difficult to maneuver along the trails. By the mid-1800’s, merchants and farmers pooled together to fund the construction of a turnpike that would connect Kennett Square to Wilmington, which led to the birth of Kennett Pike. This turnpike operated as a toll road until the early 1900’s and now, makes up a portion of Delaware Route 52. In 1919, Pierre S. du Pont bought Kennett Pike, widened and paved the highway, and then sold it to the State of Delaware for $1, receiving its Delaware 52 designation in 1936.
Another part of this byway is the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. Before the Civil War, African American Freedom Seekers fled north to freedom. This was done through a combination of people and landscapes known as the “Underground Railroad.” Delaware was the last slave state and was critical to cementing the abolition of slavery in the nation. Though the byway runs past Delaware, tourists along DE Route 52 can still experience the state’s Underground Railroad history through preserved and marked sites. A full list of historical points of interests can be found here.
On both Route 52 and 100 is the Brandywine Valley Byway, which was declared a Delaware Scenic and Historical Highway on June 25, 2002, and a National Scenic Byway on September 22, 2005. The Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway (BVNSB) runs from Wilmington to the Pennsylvania Line and further, where the Route 52 becomes BVNSB-PA. Along this byway are 19th century churches, historical parks, the DuPont Family Estates and Gardens, museums, and stunning vistas. A particularly unique stop is Nemours Estate: a 77-room mansion modeled after Versailles on 200 acres of French-inspired formal gardens, grounds, and woodlands. A gift from Alfred I. duPont, his last will and testament left instructions that this estate be used as a charitable corporation to provide healthcare services to children. In 1936, the Alfred I. duPont trust was created, including the preservation of the Nemours Estate and treatment for disabled children.
If you’ve ever wondered what could possibly be in the tiny state of Delaware, there’s definitely much more than most people know! Full of natural history and preserved 19th century architecture, and all along Delaware Route 52. In fact, here’s an itinerary for 4 days and 3 nights already put together for you! If you find yourself along any of these byways on Route 52, remember that Interstate Signways made the signs that guided your way!
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