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Dover the Capital of Delaware

Continuing on the series of the history of capital cities in the U.S. Up next is Dover, Delaware that was founded as the court town for the recently established Kent County by William Penn in 1683.

In 1777 the capital of Delaware was moved from Newcastle to Dover due to its centralized location and away from the British raiders on the Delaware River.

Dover officially became the capital in 1781 and the city’s central square, The Green saw many rallies, troop reviews, and other patriotic events. Today The Green is the main square in the heart of the historic district and the location of government buildings.

Dover is best known as the home of Caesar Rodney, the famous wartime leader of Delaware during the American Revolution. Dover and Kent Country were very much divided over the slavery issue and this city was a “stop” on the Underground Railroad. There were many issues about slavery here and most people wanted to keep slavery legal until the Civil War.

Today people visit Dover and among the highlights are the Old State House, for birdwatchers the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, and for car enthusiasts Dover International Speedway which hosts NASCAR races,

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