Rosemont, home of Delaware Gov. Nathaniel Mitchell
Rosemont, the home of one of Delaware’s Governors, is one of the most significant historic properties in Laurel. It is located at 121 Delaware Ave. The LRC purchased the property in 2020 and is focused on securing and stabilizing the structure, which dates to the 1760s. Community members are helping to clean up the grounds and refurbish the interior.
Potential plans are for a meeting location, information center, and/or a venue for weddings. We are working with the Laurel Historical Society to formulate a plan as to how we might best proceed with renovations and or restoration.
Nathaniel Mitchell was the 16th governor of Delaware, from 1805-1808. He was 10 years old when this house was built, was captain of a Delaware company during the American Revolution. He fought in the Battle of Brandywine and wintered in Valley Forge. Mitchell was captured in Virginia in 1781 and held prisoner until after the Battle of Yorktown. Following the war Mitchell served as Delaware’s delegate to the Continental Congress during its last two years.
Back in Sussex County, he was one of the founders of Georgetown in 1791 and lived there until 1808. During that time, Mitchell, a member of the Federalist Party, ran for governor in 1801 but was defeated by David Hall, who he had served under during the Revolution. Three years later, in 1804 he was successful, beating Joseph Haslet, the Democratic-Republican candidate. Mitchell served as Governor of Delaware from January 15, 1805 until January 19, 1808. Afterwards he returned to this house where he died in 1815.
