Rockwood Museum and Park
Introduction
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Images
South lawn of the Rockwood Museum.
Side view of the Rockwood Museum.
A different view of the Rockwood Museum.
Backstory and Context
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The Rockwood Museum is located in Wilmington, Delaware. The Rockwood Museum was designed by merchant-banker Joseph Shipley in 1851. The landscape property is six-acres and it was built from 1851-1854. On the grounds, there is a conservatory, the gardeners’ cottage, the carriage house, and a lighted walking trail.
Joseph Shipley wanted the mansion to represent the beauty of an English country estate. He moved his entire house from England, along with his dog, horse, gardner and maid. Rockwood was a retirement estate for Joseph Shipley. After Shipley's death his property was passed down to his great nephew, Edward Bringhurst Jr. Most of Joseph's furniture remained in the house after he passed.
New Castle received The Rockwood mansion and acreage in 1973. The property is meant to serve residents through education and recreation. The Rockwood Museum’s location exhibits life from the 20th century through World War I. The site is maintained through New Castle County. In the early 2000’s the property took on a massive restoration process. Rockwood was open to the public The property takes up 400 acres of farmland in the hills and cliffs surrounding Wilmington.
It is common knowledge the property is haunted by its former inhabits. Photographs have been taken outside, and show plasma orbs. The landscape itself is referred to as Gardensque, which is characterized by long vistas, curving paths, and trees and shrubs bordering the land.