William du Pont Family Papers
Date: 1840-1980 (bulk 1880-1965)
Collection Abstract: William du Pont was the youngest son of Louisa and Henry du Pont. His father was the president of E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. and William joined the company in 1876. In 1880, William joined the Repauno Chemical Company. After their marriage in 1892, du Pont and his second wife Annie Rogers Zinn moved to England. Their daughter Marion was born in 1894 and son William in 1896. Before returning to the United States in 1902, William du Pont purchased Montpelier (the home of President James Madison) as the family's residence.
William du Pont operated the Delaware Trust Company and invested in the explosives, railway equipment, and the chemical industries. He played a significant role in the American horse and cattle breeding industries. The Jersey cattle and Hackney and Percheron horses raised at his breeding farm at Montpelier were sold nationwide, participated in shows, and won numerous awards. He performed judging duties at numerous horse shows around the country and financed prizes and awards.
William du Pont, Jr. (1896-1965) was the driving force behind the construction of the first upscale suburban Wilmington development Westover Hills. He was also involved with real estate development in Pennsylvania and Delaware. He was well known as a breeder of thoroughbred race horses and purebred cattle. He became an authority in the design of flat and steeplechase race courses and he built over 20 tracks, including Delaware Park and the National Cup course at Fair Hill, Md. William du Pont, Jr. was an active promoter of tennis in Delaware; he was the president of Delaware Lawn Tennis Association and financed school and college tennis programs.
The William du Pont family papers, 450 linear feet, consist of correspondence, financial records and printed materials, which document the personal and business activities of the father and son. These papers provide a wealth of detail on a number of subjects, particularly the explosives industry, horse and cattle breeding, and real estate development.
Collection Size: 450 linear feet
Access: The collection is open for research. The finding aid is available in two parts: William du Pont, Sr. Papers | William Dupont, Jr. Papers.
Accession Number: 2317
Contact: Ask Hagley or 302-658-2400 ext 330 for more information
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