Dover, DE
Capital of Delaware
Overview
Dover is the capital city of Delaware, located in the Southeast region of the United States. Founded in 1683, the city has grown to a population of approximately 39,403 residents within a state of 989,948 people. As the seat of Delaware's state government, Dover serves as the political and administrative center of the state.
The city is home to the Delaware Legislative Hall, a Georgian Colonial Revival structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1933. Designed by E. William Martin, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.
Dover has served as the capital of Delaware since 1777. Before Dover, the state's capital was located in New Castle.
Delaware Legislative Hall
Delaware Legislative Hall in Dover is a relatively modest but elegant Georgian Colonial Revival building that serves as the state's capitol. Completed in 1933, it replaced the old State House located on The Green in downtown Dover. The building features red brick construction with white trim, reflecting the Colonial architectural heritage of the First State.
Georgian Colonial Revival
Notable Features
- Georgian Colonial Revival design with red brick and white trim
- Portraits of Delaware governors throughout the halls
- Connection to the historic Dover Green
- Restored legislative chambers with period details
- Relatively compact compared to other state capitols
- Adjacent to the Old State House museum
Media Gallery
Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- ★Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787, earning it the nickname 'The First State.'
- ★Dover's historic Green, where Delaware's citizens celebrated the ratification, is adjacent to Legislative Hall.
- ★The original Delaware State House, built in 1791, still stands on The Green and is open as a museum.
- ★Dover is also home to Dover Air Force Base, the largest aerial port of the Department of Defense.
- ★Delaware is the second smallest state in the U.S. by area, and its capital reflects that modest scale.
- ★Delaware has no sales tax, making Dover a popular shopping destination.