Longwood Gardens history

In 1907, Pierre laid out his first garden – the 600-foot-long Flower Garden Walk, which is today one of Longwood’s most popular gardens.

In 1913, the government had enacted personal income tax.

As early as 1914 with the formation of Longwood, Inc., Pierre was thinking about the eventual fate of the property after his death.

The result was the stunning Conservatory, a perpetual Eden, that opened in 1921.

Construction of these fountains began in 1925 and was completed two years later.

He always tried to stay one step ahead of the IRS to keep his farm and gardens in the best possible tax situation, and in 1937 the Longwood Foundation was created to handle his charitable giving.

In 1944, Mrs. du Pont died, and Pierre initially retreated to his apartment in Wilmington during weekdays, visiting Longwood only on weekends.

Finally, in 1946, the government gave approval for the Foundation to operate Longwood Gardens as a public garden with tax-exempt status “for the sole use of the public for purposes of exhibition, instruction, education and enjoyment.”

In 1954, just three days after being awarded the Cravate de Commandeur of the French Legion of Honor, Pierre died at 84 years old.

The enormous Azalea House – now called the East Conservatory – opened in 1973 with much fanfare.

With renovations completed in 1992, the fountains are operated from April to October each year.

In 2008, after four months of construction, Longwood invited visitors to explore “Nature’s Castles: The Treehouse Reimagined.” The exhibit consists of three treehouses designed with lookouts, platforms, and walkways.