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John Dickinson Plantation: Witness to a Nation's Birth

Discover the life of a Founding Father and the stories of those who lived and labored on his 18th-century Delaware plantation.

4.5

Explore the life and times of John Dickinson, a Founding Father and 'Penman of the Revolution,' at his meticulously preserved 18th-century plantation. Tour the mansion, grounds, and exhibits to uncover stories of freedom, enslavement, and the complexities of early America.

A brief summary to John Dickinson Plantation

  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the official website for the most up-to-date hours of operation, as they can vary seasonally.
  • Arrive early to allow ample time to explore the Visitor Center exhibits and watch the orientation film.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking on the grounds.
  • Tours of the mansion are guided and offered at specific times; plan your visit accordingly.
  • Consider visiting the nearby Air Mobility Command Museum for a broader historical perspective.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The John Dickinson Plantation is located southeast of Dover, Delaware. From Route 1/113, take Exit 91 for Route 9 Kitts Hummock/Little Creek. Turn right onto Kitts Hummock Road (County Road 68) and follow it to the plantation entrance. Ample free parking is available on-site.

  • Public Transport

    From the Dover Transit Center, take DART First State Route 103 towards Kitts Hummock. Disembark at the Kitts Hummock Rd & Kitts Hummock Beach stop. From there, it is a short 0.5-mile walk to the plantation. A one-way bus fare is typically around $2.

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Discover more about John Dickinson Plantation

Step back in time at the John Dickinson Plantation, the childhood home of John Dickinson, a key figure in the founding of the United States. Known as the 'Penman of the Revolution' for his influential writings, Dickinson's story is interwoven with the broader narratives of colonial America, including themes of liberty, enslavement, and agricultural life. The plantation itself offers a glimpse into 18th-century life. Explore the meticulously restored mansion, a testament to Georgian architecture, and wander through the grounds, which include recreated outbuildings and a colonial revival garden. These elements combine to illustrate the daily lives of the Dickinson family, tenant farmers, indentured servants, and enslaved people who lived and worked on the land. The Visitor Center serves as an orientation point, featuring exhibits that delve into Dickinson's life, the plantation's history, and its connection to the Underground Railroad. Guided tours, often led by interpreters in period clothing, provide deeper insights into the stories and complexities of this historical landmark. While Dickinson advocated for freedom and liberty, he also held people in bondage, a contradiction that the plantation confronts directly. Exhibits explore the lives of the enslaved men, women, and children who labored at Poplar Hall, the plantation's original name, growing tobacco and later grain. In 1786, Dickinson released his enslaved laborers, influenced by the growing anti-slavery sentiment among Quakers. Visiting the John Dickinson Plantation offers a chance to reflect on the ideals and realities of early America, the complexities of its founders, and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

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