Governor John Collins was born on March 1, 1776 in Nanticoke Hundred on his family farm at Collins Mill Pond. Collins, a member of the Democratic-Republican party, served as Delaware’s 22nd Governor from January 16, 1821 until his death on April 16, 1822. In addition to his public service, Collins operated a bog iron ore smelting business, a gristmill, and a sawmill. During his term as Governor, Collins advocated for education and instated a transit duty which taxed visitors a quarter upon entering the state. The revenue generated from this tax funded the construction of the Newark Academy, now the University of Delaware. Governor Collins is buried nearby on Collins Mill Pond.
Installed in 1974. Reinstalled in 2017.
Division of Historical & Cultural Affairs, 1974
State of Delaware Historical Markers Program, 2017
12685 Seashore Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947
Related Topics: 22nd Governor, Bloomery Iron Works, Bog Iron Ore, Bridgeville, Collins Forge, Collins Mill, Collins Mill Pond, Governor John Collins, Gristmill, Historical Markers, Nanticoke Hundred, Newark Academy, Notable Person, Sawmill, Sussex County, University of Delaware