Woodburn: Governor's House, Kent County Travel Guide

4.4 (69)

Visit Woodburn, Delaware's Governor's House, a historic landmark showcasing Georgian architecture and the lives of influential Delawareans since 1798.

Home
Travel Guides
Delaware
Kent County
Woodburn: Governor's House

Woodburn, also known as the Delaware Governor's Mansion, has been the official residence of the state's governors since 1965. Built in 1798, this elegant Georgian-style house in Dover has witnessed key moments in Delaware's history and housed notable figures.

A brief summary to Woodburn: Governor's House

151 Kings Hwy SW, Dover, Delaware, 19901, US
Click to display
Click to display

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Woodburn: Governor's House.

Tours are available by appointment only, Monday through Friday, and must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
Admission is free, making it an accessible historical site for all.
Combine your visit with a stroll through the First State Heritage Park, which includes other nearby historical buildings.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

First State Heritage Park's John Bell House

The Old State House

Delaware Sign

Welcome to Delaware sign

Deleware Welcome sign

Explore Woodburn: Governor's House on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Woodburn: Governor's House, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Woodburn is located at 151 Kings Hwy SW in Dover. If you are already in the downtown Dover area, such as at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center, it is a short walk. Head southwest on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd toward S Federal St. Turn right onto E Water St, then turn left onto Kings Hwy SW. Woodburn will be on your right. The walk is approximately 0.3 miles and should take about 5-10 minutes. There is no fee for walking.
Public Transport

DART First State operates bus services in Dover. Check the DART First State website or app for the most up-to-date bus schedules and routes. Several bus routes have stops near Woodburn. From the Dover Transit Center, you can take a bus to a stop near Division Street and Kings Highway, then walk approximately 15 minutes to Woodburn. A one-way fare is $2.
Car

If driving, take US-13 or DE-1 to Dover. Exit onto DE-8 (Division Street) and follow it. Turn left onto Kings Highway SW. Woodburn will be at 151 Kings Hwy SW. Parking is available nearby. There is usually no parking fee, but be mindful of any local parking regulations.

Discover more about Woodburn: Governor's House

Woodburn, the Governor's House, stands as a testament to Delaware's rich history and architectural heritage. Constructed around 1798 for Charles Hillyard III, it was considered one of the grandest homes in Kent County at the time. The two-story brick house, built in the Flemish bond pattern, exemplifies Middle Period Georgian architecture.Over the years, Woodburn has been home to gentlemen farmers, landowners, an abolitionist, two U.S. Senators, two doctors, a dentist, a judge, and eight Delaware Governors. In 1820, it first served as the governor's residence when Jacob Stout leased it. Daniel Cowgill, an abolitionist, later owned the house and allowed freed slaves to meet in its great hall, connecting it to the Underground Railroad.In 1965, the State of Delaware purchased Woodburn to serve as the official Governor's Residence. First Lady Jessica Irby Terry oversaw the interior design, furnishing it with period pieces reflecting the elegance of the late 18th century. Today, Woodburn hosts state functions, dinners, receptions, and public events. Visitors can explore the house's architecture, including the Great Hall and Dining Room, and admire the portrait wall of First Ladies.