Dover, Delaware, is one of those towns/ cities – if you will – that remind one of a time long gone. For lovers of history, especially the colonial period then, Dover is the place to be. This city was created in the late 17th century, which means that it must have a lot of legends that took place in various buildings and streets. What’s cool about Dover is that it’s not just about reading history from a book—no, here, you can literally walk through it. So, grab your walking shoes (preferably comfy ones because colonial towns aren’t known for smooth roads), and let’s explore Dover’s colonial past.
That said, let’s first give you some context so that you know what exactly you’re getting into before delving into the details of your walking tour. Dover was established in 1683 by William Penn—the same Quaker fellow who seemed to have been gifted with laying colonies. Back then, Delaware wasn’t its own state yet. It was just part of Pennsylvania, and Dover was established as a court town for the county. In 1777, Delaware declared Dover its capital, and that’s when the colonial action really started heating up. Being a history lover, it is important to note that this city played an enormous part in the American Revolution and the creation of the Constitution, so walking, you tread on the grounds where some of the greatest Americans walked.
Start from The Green because, quite frankly, where else would you start a history tour in Dover? It’s the town square and has been at the center of city life since the 1700s. Back in the day, The Green was where soldiers trained, people held political rallies, and townsfolk gathered for just about everything. Imagine it as a colonial version of today’s downtown—except instead of food trucks, you’ve got public punishments (yikes). Fun fact: The first state to ratify the Constitution was Delaware, here in Dover, on the seventh of December, 1787. When one is standing at The Green, it is very easy to imagine the weight of that single moment.
From The Green, the next tourist attraction is The Old State House. Initially built in 1791, this gem of a building was the original capital of Delaware and has witnessed all kinds of political drama (though probably with fewer Twitter rants). The two-story brick building is an architectural masterpiece for its time and represents how government buildings were made back in the colonial days—grand but without being over-the-top. Facilities include original interiors and rebuilt chambers that housed the state of Delaware’s legislative body as well as early colonial and state of Dover history. Meandering past the old wooden corridors, one can only imagine being in the colonial lawmakers in wigs and stockings making formative decisions for the country.
Second on the list is The John Bell House, which is located nearby, and you have to trot. It is, therefore, an early and comparatively rare surviving wooden building erected possibly in the 1740s. It’s not the most ostentatious structure you’re likely to come across, but it certainly has the colonial feel-inhabited. Today, it is an open-air museum and a place where one can get informed, get an interpreter tour, and take part in an actors’ performance. If you’ve ever wanted to see a colonial craft demonstration or, let’s be real, dress up in some old-school clothes and pretend you’re from the 1700s, this is your place. Plus, it’s conveniently located near The Green, so you don’t even need to break a sweat walking there.
Okay, so this museum isn’t colonial in nature, but it’s one of those quirky places that you don’t want to miss on your walking tour. It’s dedicated to Eldridge Reeves Johnson, the founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Now, I get it—what does this have to do with colonial history? Not a ton, but it’s a quick stop that offers a glimpse into the early days of recorded sound, which is still kind of historical, right? Johnson’s innovations played a big part in the world of music, so it’s a nice detour to think about how far we’ve come since the days of colonial Dover.
Sadly, the original Golden Fleece Tavern no longer exists, but the site is still a must-see on your historical tour. Why? Because this was where Delaware delegates signed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. In the 1700s, taverns were the go-to places for political meetings and debates (and let’s be honest, plenty of ale drinking too). It’s kind of mind-blowing to think that a little tavern in Dover played a role in shaping American history. Today, there’s a marker to commemorate the site. So, while you won’t get a pint of ale here, you can certainly feel the revolutionary spirit.
No historical tour is complete without a good ol’ church visit, right? Christ Church is one of the oldest in Delaware, dating back to 1734. The original church was a bit different from the building you’ll see today (as with most colonial structures, it’s had some renovations). But what stayed constant was its role as a spiritual center for the community. Inside, there are some gravestones of prominent Dover citizens from the colonial era, which adds to the historic atmosphere. There’s something quite peaceful about wandering the grounds, knowing that this church has been a cornerstone of Dover’s history for nearly three centuries.
This might not scream colonial history, but hear me out. The Biggs Museum has a vast collection of American fine and decorative arts, including pieces from the colonial period. It’s a great way to dive into the aesthetics of early America, and there’s something kind of cool about standing in front of a colonial-era painting, thinking, “Wow, that’s exactly what Dover might have looked like back then.” The museum is conveniently located near The Green, so you won’t need to venture too far to get your art fix.
A little morbid, sure, but colonial-era graveyards are some of the most fascinating places you can visit in an old town like Dover. The Old Methodist Cemetery, for example, is the final resting place of many early residents, and strolling through it gives you a quiet moment to reflect on those who built the town. Tombstones from the 1700s and 1800s dot the landscape, some weathered and hard to read, others still surprisingly well-preserved. It might sound odd, but cemeteries can be deeply historical spaces, offering a glimpse into life (and death) in colonial times.
As you finish your walk through Dover’s colonial past, it’s impossible not to appreciate how much history is packed into this small town. Every building, street, and marker tells a story, and while Dover might not be as big and flashy as, say, Philadelphia or Boston, it’s just as rich in colonial heritage. The beauty of Dover is that it’s a little more off the beaten path, offering a quieter, more reflective historical experience. So, next time you’re in Delaware—or heck, even if you’re just passing through—take a moment to explore Dover more.
This content was created by AI