The Oldest Building in Delaware Is More Than 358 Years Old

Structures all over the United States were crafted years ago by hand. While many of these buildings have perished or have been ripped down, some still have withstood the test of time, including the oldest building in Delaware.

Delaware was founded on December 7, 1787, as the “First State.” With so much history in the state, the oldest building in Delaware is more than 358 years old! While it’s debated if the Block House in Claymont is the oldest building, the Ryves Holt House is the official oldest house in Delaware. So, let’s look at the rich history of the Ryves Holt House and all it has to offer.

The Oldest Building in Delaware

At more than 358 years old, the Ryves Holt House is the oldest in Delaware.

The Ryves Holt House has a minimalistic past, unlike other historic houses. Built in 1665, the original owners used the house as an inn. The Ryves Holt House was one of the oldest inns in the region. At the time, Delaware wasn’t even a state and was still used by settlers.

The owner at the time was Philip Russell, a cup-bearer of William Penn. A cup-bearer was an officer who ranked highly in royal courts and would pour and serve drinks to the royal table. William Penn was a founder of the Providence of Pennsylvania and was known as an English writer and religious thinker. The house remained an inn until Philip Russell passed, where it was put up for auction.

In 1721, Ryves Holt became the property owner and lived in the home. Ryves was the first Chief Justice of Sussex County. The home remained in his possession until he passed, and then it was passed on to a few different owners until it was given to the Lewes Historical Society.

Where is the Oldest Building in Delaware Located on a Map?

The physical address for the Ryves Holt House is 21 2nd St, Lewes, DE 1995. On a map, the location would be located:

Construction of the Ryves Holt House

The Ryves Holt House is actually in the same place it was originally built, which is a rarity for many historical homes. Originally, the house was built using wooden structures and features two-bedroom taverns and a small inn. As the house was passed to different owners, the construction slightly changed. In 100, the home’s corner fireplace was removed. Today, the home is still very close to the original but features some remodeling and new paint.

Ryves Holt House Museum Tour

The modern-day Ryves Holt House is now a museum and offers tours. Visitors must schedule a tour with the Lewes Historical Society to view the house. Visitation is seasonal, so it’s best to check the hours and days ahead of schedule. Information about booking a tour can be found on the Tour Page.

During these tours, visitors will learn about the rich history of Lewes, DE, between 1631 and 1787. Visitors will also learn about the small town of Zwanendael, the first European settlement in the state. Aside from that, visitors will also learn about Lewes’s importance in helping ratify the United States Constitution in 1787.

Other Historical Landmarks Nearby

Lewes, DE, is a historical place with many landmarks dating back to the first settlers in the United States. While the Ryves Holt House is one of the major attractions, there are also other points of interest. Some of them include:

• Zwaanendael Museum
• The Lewes Historical Society Main Campus
• Lewes History Museum
• Fort Miles Historic Area
• Cape Henlopen State Park

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Harrison Keely / CC BY 4.0 – License / Original