Jacob Broom House

A National Historic Landmark, this historic home was constructed by Delaware leader and United States Founding Father Jacob Broom in 1795. The home is significant for its age and association with Broom, who was one of the signers of the Constitution. While located within a vast complex of museums and historic properties that are open to the public, this historic home is a private property. The house is also notable for its association with Éleuthère Irénée du Pont, who bought the house in 1802. Du Pont was a French chemist who founded a gunpowder manufacturing company south of the house which is now home to the Hagley Museum. The gunpowder company grew to become the DuPont chemical company, owned by one of the most influential families in the country.

The Late Georgian-style home has undergone several alterations and additions, but the section of the home with the main entrance largely consists of what Broom built. Broom worked as a surveyor, businessman, real estate developer, and even invested in building toll roads, canals, and bridges. Although a signer of the Constitution, his role its is drafting was minor and was not nationally known at the time. Among his ventures was building a cotton mill on the property.

Jacob Broom received formal training in surveying, which he used to start his business career. In 1784, he was elected to the state legislature, and in 1787, he was elected one of the state's delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. It was there that he signed the document. Broom did marry and had eight children with his wife, Rachel. 

"Broom (Jacob) House." Signers of the Constitution - National Park Service. Accessed June 28, 2018. https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/constitution/site2.htm.

"Jacob Broom." Signers of the Constitution - National Park Service. Accessed June 28, 2018. https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/constitution/site2.htm.

Post, Robert C. "Jacob Broom House." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. December 2, 1974. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/d2e3bcc7-9cf1-4455-8b96-8950264c9405.

Photo: National Park Service