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Governor Ross Mansion: A Glimpse into Delaware's Antebellum Past

Explore a beautifully restored Victorian mansion and plantation, offering a glimpse into Delaware's pre-Civil War history and the life of Governor Ross.

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The Governor Ross Mansion, a beautifully restored Italianate Victorian home in Seaford, Delaware, offers a window into the life of a prominent 19th-century governor and the complexities of the pre-Civil War era. Explore the mansion, its outbuildings, and the state's only documented slave quarters to understand this period in history.

A brief summary to Governor Ross Mansion

Local tips

  • Check the Seaford Historical Society's website for the most up-to-date information on hours of operation and special events.
  • Consider purchasing a combination ticket to visit both the Governor Ross Mansion and the Seaford Museum for a more comprehensive historical experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing some walking around the mansion and its grounds.
  • If you're interested in genealogy or local history, the Seaford Historical Society has resources available for research.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Governor Ross Mansion is located at 23669 Ross Station Rd, Seaford, DE 19973, just a short drive north of Seaford. From Seaford, take US-13 N, then turn left onto Ross Station Road. The mansion will be on your left. Free parking is available on site for cars and RVs.

  • Public Transport

    DART First State provides bus service to Seaford. From the Front Street @ Poplar Street bus stop in Seaford, it's approximately a 20-minute walk (about 1 mile) to the Governor Ross Mansion. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or rideshare service from the bus stop to the mansion. A one way bus ticket costs approximately $2-$3. Taxi/Rideshare services may vary in price.

  • Taxi/Rideshare

    Taxi and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available in Seaford. Request a ride to 23669 Ross Station Rd, Seaford, DE 19973. The fare will vary depending on the distance and service.

Unlock the Best of Governor Ross Mansion

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Discover more about Governor Ross Mansion

Step back in time at the Governor Ross Mansion, located in Seaford, Delaware, and delve into the life and times of William Henry Harrison Ross, Delaware's governor from 1851 to 1855. This meticulously restored, two-story Italianate-style mansion, built in 1859, showcases the elegance of the Victorian era. Explore the mansion's interior, which retains its original plaster moldings, Victorian trim, doors, and inside shutters, offering a glimpse into the Ross family's lifestyle. The mansion is filled with period furnishings. The site also features several outbuildings, including a granary, stable, smokehouse, and corn cribs, providing a comprehensive view of a 19th-century agricultural enterprise. A particularly significant feature is the only documented log slave quarter in Delaware, offering a stark reminder of the realities of slavery during this period. Ross, though popular for bringing the railroad to southern Delaware, was a slave owner and Confederate sympathizer. When the Civil War began and Delaware sided with the North, Ross fled to England. The Governor Ross Mansion stands as a reminder of pre-Civil War life. The Seaford Historical Society purchased the mansion in 1976 and has since restored it. Today, the mansion and its grounds serve as a historic house museum, offering guided tours that provide insights into the Ross family, Delaware's history, and the complexities of the pre-Civil War era.

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