Old State House
Dover, DE
Delaware’s 1791 statehouse on The Green in Dover, restored with its courtroom and legislative chambers. Free guided tours; The Green is where Delaware ratified the Constitution in 1787, becoming the first state.
The Old State House in Dover was begun in 1787 and finished in May 1791 (Wikipedia gives 1787–1792). It was Dover's first permanent capitol and is built in the Georgian style. In 1933 the General Assembly moved to Legislative Hall. The building was given a Victorian makeover in 1873 and restored to its 18th-century appearance in 1976 for the US bicentennial; a further restoration followed in 2005–2007.
Today it is a museum run by the Delaware Division of Historic and Cultural Affairs. On the first floor is an 18th-century-style courtroom, upstairs are the former legislative chambers, and a portrait of George Washington by Denis Volozan hangs in the Senate. The building stands on the historic Dover Green. Admission was free according to Wikipedia; check opening hours and admission before you visit.
- Nearest town
- Dover, DE
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 39.1573, -75.5196
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Fam CampCampsite5 mi from Old State House
- Killens Pond CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Old State HouseTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Peters Scout CampCampsite17 mi from Old State House
- Holiday Park CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Old State HouseTentsCaravansElectricity
- G&R CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Old State HouseTentsCaravansElectricity
- Denton CampCampsite24 mi from Old State HouseCaravans
All campsites in Delaware · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Old State House?
Old State House is in Dover, DE, at GPS 39.1573, -75.5196. It is about 12 mi from Killens Pond State Park.
Can you camp near Old State House?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Fam Camp, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 7 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Old State House?
Old State House is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Delaware: Bombay Hook, Dover and the Cape Henlopen beaches.
What is there to see near Old State House?
Places worth a stop nearby: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (7 mi), Lewes Historic Area (33 mi), Cape Henlopen State Park (34 mi) and Cape May Lighthouse (34 mi).
When is the best time to visit Old State House?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)