David Compton House

It was built in 1816, originally as a 3-bay Federal style structure with a stylish entryway, including a decorative fanlight and sidelights, fluted moldings, and an 8-panel door.

However, because of a modern bypass road (State Route 649) has drastically reduced traffic through the small village, resulting in a quiet, tranquil atmosphere with minimal automobile congestion.

Mauricetown proper is surrounded on three sides by the grassy salt marshes, tidal flats, small creeks, and the Maurice River, and is located about 6 miles upriver from the Delaware Bay.

The main block of the Compton House was originally only a three-bay dwelling, including the current stair hall and north parlor—the only rooms with a cellar beneath.

When David Compton died in 1838, his assets totaled $22,638, including a store on the property, several sailing vessels, a mill in the nearby village of Buckshutem, and significant grain and timber.

Just twenty-three years old and anxious to establish himself, Compton purchased “one rood of land,” equal to ¼ acre, from his brother Ichabod—one of the early investors in the newly platted village.

Compton’s location adjacent to High Street, the main road to Port Norris, afforded plenty of exposure for his store (no longer extant) at the rear of the property.

Front elevation of the David Compton House, showing Federal doorway and later Greek Revival porch.
The north (side) elevation shows the original Federal era section (far right), and an ell representing two different additions.
The original Federal style doorway of the David Compton House includes an 8-panel door, sidelights, and an elaborate fanlight. Also of note is the vaulted arch in the later porch ceiling, accommodating the original fanlight.
The original spiral staircase continues from the 2nd floor to the 3rd.