Robinson House - Claymont, Delaware

 

Robinson House - Claymont, Delaware

This house was built in 1793 on the site of the original 1654 Swedish settlement on Naaman’s Creek just over the border from Pennsylvania on the “Kings Highway” of the Revolutionary War period.

Colonel Thomas Robinson, the home builder and owner, served in the American Revolutionary War and was wounded at the Battle of the Bradywine.  He had the honor of being inducted into the Order of Cincinnati by George Washington in 1785.

Visitors to the house during the Revolutionary War period were George Washington, Lighthorse Harry Lee, Mad Anthony Wayne, Lafayette and a wide array of others.

It is said that Caesar Rodney changed horses here on his famous ride to Philadelphia in 1776.  Caesar Rodney was the man that rode through storms, on muddy roads, slippery cobblestone streets for an 80 mile trip to vote for independence from England. His was the vote that turned the tide on the vote even knowing that it could mean is hanging.  He served diligently for many years the people of Delaware.  His face is on the new Delaware quarter.

In the 1900’s the Robinson House was home to several Howard Pyle art students (1912-1917).  Then from 1914 until the late 1960’s it was known as The Naamans Tea House.  A favorite restaurant and place to host an event.

The State of Delaware acquired the house in 1976 and did some renovations and the house now is the home to the Claymont Historical Society.

The Societies host interpretive tours of the house’s past, conduct programs about history, and offer “entertainment” programs & dinners reminiscent of the Tea House days.

Location: 1 Naamans Road, Claymont, Delaware 19703

Phone: 302-792-0285