Octagonal Schoolhouse, also known as the Eight-square School House, is a historic octagonal schoolhouse building located in an area called Cowgill’s Corner in Kent County, Delaware.

In 1829, Delaware became the second state to establish free public education for its residents. This schoolhouse, which opened in 1836, is one of the first buildings from that movement, and the only one not significantly altered at the time of its addition to the National Register of Historical Places.

Manlove Hayes, who lived south of Leipsic is said to have designed the structure since education benefited his numerous children and step children.

The best time of year to view the school house is in late fall, winter or spring.  You’ll see a a one-room and one-story, stuccoed stone building. It has a pyramidal shingled roof with a stepped stone cornice.

Both boys and girls attended the school and were seated in two circles in the interior, with boys facing the outside and girls the inside. It remained a public school well into the 20th century, after which it was used as a community meeting house.

The building is not available for touring, but you can view it from the outside. 

Logistics:
Located about 1 mile north of the DE Hwy 9 and 8 intersection near Little Creek, Delaware. The house is located on private property, therefore you must view it from a distance along Edgewater Farm Lane.

Getting Here:
Address: 6826 Bayside Road, Dover DE 19901
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