Number 21--Dover, Delaware

Number 21—Dover,  DE

302-739-9194

Legislative Hall

Dover, DE

http://delaware.gov/

The First State

Aka: The Diamond State, The Blue Hen State, Small Wonder

Tours:  Guided Tours are available.  But because of the large number of students on a field trip, I was given some very helpful information and was able to do my own self-guided tour.

Senate:  41

House/General Assembly:  21

Date Complete: 1933

Architect/Style:  E. William Martin, Colonial Revival

Getting there:  Getting to the Capitol is easy.  Good road signage.  A few short blocks away from US13.  Getting to Delaware, not so easy.  Many of the roads to and from Delaware are toll roads…the Bay Bridge, the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel-Bridge, the New Jersey Turnpike and a series of ferries.

Parking:  Lots and free

Liberty Bell:  

(Each state and most territories have been gifted at least one replica of the liberty bell.  Each bell is numbered. 

http://www.libertybellmuseum.com/exhibits/statebells/index.htm

The fifty five full-sized replicas were cast in 1950 by the Paccard Foundry in Annecy-le-Vieux, France and shipped as gifts to states and territories to thank the United States for its part in France’s liberation.  They were funded by a savings bond drive.

In some states, the replica bells are located outside on the grounds of the capitol; some states have located them in other prestigious places such as state historical societies; some states don’t seem to have a clue where it is.) 

Delaware’s bell has been given a place of honor on the green across from the State House and the Old State House.  It is surrounded by flowers and is next to the flag pole. (#5)

Cornerstone:  Printed only with the date 1932.

Dome/Rotunda/Dome topper:  Delaware is one of a handful of capitol buildings that does not have a dome.  There is a cupola topped with a weathervane.  The building-- as a “non-domed” structure--is in complete harmony with the rest of the campus.  I did not miss the dome as I have in some of the others I have visited.  Richmond and Dover have architecture that is extremely appropriate to their locations and settings.

Art:  A larger than life bronze called “The Delaware Continentals” as one approaches from the East.

Governors and heroes portraits.

 

Original ten scenes painted by Jack Lewis depicting historical events in the Assembly (New Castle County scenes) and Senate (scenes from Kent and Sussex Counties).  These are 4X8 panels painted in acrylic on Masonite.  The description of my personal favorite is that of George Washington at a New Castle wedding.  Legend has it that he stood on the hearthstone and kissed pretty girls, “as was his wont.”

And several marble relief murals. 

And, a love seat uphostered in red/white strips with pillows of blue with stars.






Quarter:

Caesar Rodney on horseback
Captions: "The First State", "Caesar Rodney"

Entered Union:  #1, December 7.  1787—signed the Constitution

What’s unique:

1.     Delaware, the second smallest state has only three counties-- pretty much dividing the state in thirds:  New Castle, Sussex and Kent.  The give a lot of emphasis to each of these counties.  In other states where there are many, many counties, one’s own county is important.  But most of the rest get lost in the shuffle.

2.     They provide an 8x11 twenty-plus-page booklet that is packed with information…governors, lieutenant governors.  page-long explanation of the State Seal, information on state stuff (nickname, state fruit, state wildlife animal, flower, beverage, etc., etc. etc.

3.     The Blue Hen is the State Bird—dating back to the Revolutionary War when Kent County’s Captain Jonathan Caldwell’s brought their game cocks to war.  These chickens were known for their fighting ability.  This is the only state about which I know that has for its State Bird an emblem of something outlawed and illegal for many years.  But the fighting tenacity of the men from Delaware compared them to their birds.

4.     The capitol building is on a beautiful campus. All the buildings are brick--Colonial Revival and surround a meticulously kept green. The side walks are also brick. The “old” state house is on the opposite side of the green from the current legislature hall. Notice the "hen" weather vane. Due to the high number of eighth graders visiting, I was not able to get into see the “old” state house.

5.     The original settlers were Swedish.  Despite the Dutch, English and others who overcame these early people, they remained strong to their roots.  There are still influences of the Swedish.  Old Swedes (Holy Trinity) Church,  built in 1698, is one of the oldest Protestant Churches in the country.

6.      A display under glass of odds and ends recovered from sunken ships in the various rivers and Chesapeake Bay.

7.   In keeping with the archetechture, the railings are painted wood rather than marble as many other capitols.

Korny joke:  What kind of horse is Caesar Rodney riding?  

YUK! Yuk!--why it's a "quarter" horse, of course!  TeeHee

reference and resources:  State of Delaware booklet, widipedia, personal observation, very helpful staff