Delaware’s industrial history was based around the mighty Brandywine, and several large mills got their start in our Red Clay Creek. One such company was the Marshall Brothers Paper Mill, where steam power was used to create ream after ream of high quality paper. The Marshall family became wealthy and purchased an estate overlooking their mill.

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Clarence Marshall passed his love of trains and steam engines on to his son, Tom. Tom built the 1/8 size steam engine railway, and opened the first public exhibit at the estate in the 1970s. By 1997, he founded the “Steam Train” group of enthusiasts, which has now become the Friends of the Auburn Heights Preserve. Tom and Ruth Marshall donated the Auburn Heights property to the State of Delaware in 2008, and the Friends of the Auburn Heights Preserve operate all engines on the property, as well as the Marshall Steam Museum.

The Preserve is open year round for public events and private tours. To schedule a tour, call (302) 239-5687. Check the Auburn Heights Program Calendar for more information on public hours and family-friendly events at this historic park. The museum is always looking for volunteers to learn how to operate the steam machines and help preserve a this estate as part of Delaware history.

If you love trains, you might want to set aside a full day to take the Dreamy Train-Themed Trip Through Delaware That Will Take You On The Journey Of A Lifetime, which includes stops at other train museums, a historic scenic railway, and dinner in an old railcar.

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