Calvary Baptist Church
KC-87: On January 26, 1883, the Delaware Baptist Union was formally incorporated by the state legislature. The purpose of the organization was to spread the message of the denomination and promote “the erection and maintenance of houses of religious worship.” Soon thereafter a group of African-American residents of Dover who had accepted the Baptist faith […]
Golden Fleece Tavern
KC-76: This was the site of the Golden Fleece Tavern, scene of some of the most important and dramatic events in Delaware history. Built in the 1730s, the Golden Fleece was a center for community and government activities. It was a place of great importance during the American Revolution and the early years of our […]
Wesley College
KC-71: Wesley College is a private, liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It was founded in 1873 as Wilmington Conference Academy, a preparatory school for boys under the patronage of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Female students were admitted the following year. Post-secondary education was added in 1917. The school was called Wesley […]
Site of Dover’s First Methodist Church
KC-70: In 1778, a Methodist Society was organized in Dover by Reverend Freeborn Garrettson. Desiring a permanent place of worship, members purchased a one-half acre lot at this location from Vincent Loockerman in 1782. Future Delaware Governor Richard Bassett contributed toward the construction of a forty foot square structure, which was named Wesley Chapel. Bishop […]
Byfield
KC-53: Near this site stood the boyhood home of Caesar Rodney, signer of the Declaration of Independence, Brigadier General of the State’s militia (1775-1778), and President (Governor) of Delaware (1778-1781). Byfield was originally settled in the early 1680’s by Daniel Jones, Rodney’s maternal great grandfather. Following Jones’ death, it became the family seat for three […]
Star Hill AME Church
KC-50: By the end of the 18th century this area was home to a large number of African Americans, many of them freed slaves. Their settlement was largely due to the efforts of local Quakers. A congregation of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was established here circa 1863. On June 12, 1866, the congregation purchased […]
Dover
KC-35: County seat since 1680. William Penn, in 1683, ordered town site laid out and named Dover. Plotted in 1717. Temporary capital in 1777 and permanent capital since 1779. Federal Constitution ratified here in 1787, making Delaware first State in Union. State Constitutional Conventions held here in 1791-1792, 1831, 1852, and 1897. Installed in 1966. […]
West Dover Hundred
KC-10: Originally part of St. Jones Hundred, renamed Dover Hundred, 1823, the boundaries being Little Creek on north and St. Jones Creek on south, extending from Delaware River to Maryland line. Dover Hundred was divided 1877 into two hundreds, called West Dover Hundred, and East Dover Hundred. Installed in 1932. Sponsors: Historical Markers Commission Marker […]
Kenton Hundred
Created in 1869 by joining of western halves of Duck Creek and Little Creek Hundreds. Is bounded on the north by Blackbird Hundred in New Castle County, and on the east by Duck Creek and Little Creek Hundreds, on the south by East Dover and West Dover Hundreds, and on the west by Maryland line. […]
Dover
RG# 6100 In 1683, William Penn first introduced the idea of a town to be called Dover as the court town for Kent County. However, it was not until 1717 that a plot was laid out for streets, squares, and lots. By 1722, a courthouse was built on the square (now known as The […]
