The Old State House: Delaware's Historic Capitol

4.5 (121)

Step back in time at Delaware's Old State House, where the First State's early government shaped the future of a nation.

Completed in 1791, The Old State House in Dover, Delaware, served as the state's capitol during the critical early years of the United States. This well-preserved Georgian-style building on The Green offers a glimpse into the state's and nation's formative years.

A brief summary to The Old State House

25 The Green, Dover, Delaware, 19901, US
Click to display
Click to display

Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Old State House.

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Free, limited street parking is available around the State House.
Tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday at 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM.
Restrooms are not available at the Old State House, so plan accordingly.

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

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The Green

The Green: Dover's Historic Heart

Spence's bazaar

Spence's Bazaar: A Dover Tradition

Kent County Veterans Memorial Park

Kent County Veterans Memorial Park: A Tribute to Service

Getting There

Walking

The Old State House is located on The Green in the heart of historic Dover, making it easily accessible on foot from many downtown points of interest. From the Legislative Mall, walk north towards The Green; the Old State House will be on your left. No costs are associated with this approach.
Public Transport

Dover Transit Center is the main hub for public transportation in the area. From the Transit Center, you can take a DART First State bus to a stop near The Green. Several routes serve the area. A single ride fare costs $2.00. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the Old State House.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Dover. A short ride from a location in downtown Dover to the Old State House will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on demand and distance.

Discover more about The Old State House

The Old State House, located on The Green in Dover, Delaware, stands as a testament to the state's pivotal role in the early history of the United States. Completed in 1791, it served as Delaware's capitol building until 1933. The building is located on Dover's historic Green, a public area that William Penn designated in 1683. This elegant, red-brick structure, designed in the Middle Georgian style, originally housed both the state and Kent County governments. Inside, visitors can explore the 18th-century-style courtroom on the first floor and the former chambers of the state legislature on the second. Notable features include portraits of Commodores Jacob Jones and Thomas Macdonough by Thomas Sully, and a portrait of George Washington by Denis A. Volozan. The Old State House witnessed many significant events, including Delaware's ratification of the U.S. Constitution, making it the first state to do so. The building has undergone several renovations and restorations, including a remodeling in 1873 to reflect a Victorian style and a restoration in 1976 to its original appearance. Today, the Old State House is part of the Delaware National Historic Park and operates as a museum, offering guided tours and exhibits that delve into Delaware's rich political and cultural history.