The Wilmington & Kennett Turnpike Co. records, dating from 1811 to 1921, were acquired by Pierre S. du Pont from 1919 to 1920, when he purchased the company's stock, widened the road, and turned over its administration to the Delaware State Highway Department.

The records of the Wilmington & Kennett Turnpike Company are organized into four subseries: Administrative records, General accounts, Toll records, and Correspondence.

The Administrative records subseries includes minute books (1859-1920), loose minutes and reports (1839-1919), financial statements (1901-1921), stock certificates (1811-1919), and dividend records (1869-1919).

The General accounts subseries dates from 1811 to 1921 and includes a day book, ledgers, receipts, bank books, and checkbooks (canceled checks).

The Toll records subseries dates from 1814 to 1919, and is an incomplete record of tolls received. There are also agreements covering the transfer of the road to the state of Delaware and a record of persons whose toll payments were reduced or "commuted" because of frequent travel (1864-1870).

The Correspondence subseries dates from 1860 to 1921, and consists of letters to and from company members.