The Old State House in Dover is one of the most beautiful examples of Georgian-style architecture in America, built as two stories with five bays. Construction began in 1787 and when it was completed in May 1791, it served both the state and Kent County governments. Over the years the building experienced some architectural changes, to include the addition of wings to house the growing agencies within the government (the exterior was also remodeled in 1873). Regardless, it served as the State Capitol Building until 1933!
To celebrate the bicentennial in 1976, the Old State House was restored to look as it did when it opened in 1791 (additional renovations occurred in 2007). Today, visitors can tour the Old State House, which still stands on the historic town green. Downstairs is a court room, just as it would have looked in the 18th-century. Up the incredible geometrical staircase to the second floor, there are the houses of Congress and some additional exhibits.
Perhaps the most remarkable artifact on display is a towering 1802 painting of George Washington by Denis A. Volozan. It hangs in the Senate Chamber and has been on display in the building since 1802. Additional paintings, completed by Thomas Sully, adorn the House Chamber. These are of two Delaware natives and naval heroes of the War of 1812: Commodore Jacob Jones and Commodore Thomas Macdonough.
Another interesting thing we learned about are verdict (or jury) wands- a long pole with a “spike” on top. One side was painted white (innocent) and the other side red (guilty). They would turn the color that aligned with the verdict towards the crowd so everyone knew the results.
As we walked the halls and paused in each room, I could almost hear the men of Delaware discuss, debate, and come to agreement on some of the state’s most important issues. Some of these issues included slavery- Delaware was the northernmost slave state during the American Civil War, yet they remained in the Union (a decision certainly not without its debate, right within these walls). Additional exhibits on the second floor explore the role slavery and the Underground Railroad played in Delaware.
One story that jumped out to be was the story of Samuel D. Borris, a black man born in 1808 near the city of Dover. Samuel worked as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, assisting runaway enslaved men, women, and children to freedom. The Dover area also had many Quaker families, who were sympathetic and oftentimes, fully invested in supporting the Underground Railroad. In July 1847, Burris was arrested for aiding runaway slaves and accused of violating Delaware law. He was found guilty and as part of his sentence, would be sold into slavery.
Amidst the bidding to purchase Samuel, and unknown to him, a Wilmington abolitionist under an assumed name joined in. Ultimately, this abolitionist paid off a Baltimore bidder with $100 so that he could win the bid for Samuel. This abolitionist was Isaac S. Flint, who cheerfully took “possession” of Samuel, bringing him back to freedom in Philadelphia, where he reunited with his wife and children.
Today, Dover’s Old State House provides visitor’s a glimpse into the past: America’s founding and early federal period, the debate on slavery and the harrowing tales of the Underground Railroad, and even stories of American women and their push for the right to vote.
It is free to tour the Old State House and I recommend setting aside at least an hour to wander its chambers, explore the exhibits, and take in all of the beautiful artwork. Afterwards, you can wander the historic green and see other remarkable historic structures.
