Dover

Delaware Declaration of Rights and Fundamental Rules, September 11, 1776 — Delaware Public Archives

Delaware's own declaration of rights and constitutional framework, adopted at New Castle but administered from Dover. Demonstrates Delaware's early move to establish independent governance separate from Pennsylvania.

Delaware Public Archives: Revolutionary War Records — Delaware Public Archives

Delaware's official state archives holding the records of the Delaware Council of Safety, General Assembly wartime sessions held at Dover, military muster rolls, and correspondence with the Continental Congress.

Delaware Ratification of the U.S. Constitution, December 7, 1787 — National Archives, Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses

The official engrossed ratification document signed by Delaware delegates at Dover, making Delaware the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Dover served as the site of this unanimous vote.

First State National Historical Park: Dover Unit — National Park Service

NPS interpretive program for the First State National Historical Park, including the John Dickinson Plantation near Dover. Covers Delaware's constitutional history and its role as the first state to ratify.

Life and Correspondence of Joseph Reed — Lindsay and Blakiston (William B. Reed)

Correspondence that illuminates the relationship between Delaware and Pennsylvania military and political circles, with references to Caesar Rodney's famous midnight ride to Philadelphia to cast Delaware's deciding vote for independence.

Caesar Rodney: Patriot — University of Delaware Press (George Ryden)

Scholarly biography of Caesar Rodney, Dover's most prominent Revolutionary figure, covering his famous midnight ride from Dover to Philadelphia and his subsequent role commanding Delaware's militia.

Colonial Delaware: A History — KTO Press (John A. Munroe)

Standard scholarly history of Delaware through the Revolutionary period. Covers Dover's emergence as the capital, the Declaration vote drama, and Delaware's complicated loyalties as a border state.

Delaware Archives: Military Records of Delaware in the Revolution — Public Archives Commission of Delaware (Henry Clay Conrad)

Published compilation of Delaware's Revolutionary War military records, including muster rolls, pension applications, and officer lists. Documents the Delaware Regiment's service and contributions from Dover.

Delaware Historical Society: Revolutionary War Collections — Delaware Historical Society

Archival and museum collections covering Delaware's Revolutionary War period, including Caesar Rodney papers, Delaware Regiment records, and materials related to Dover's wartime administrative function.

John Dickinson Plantation State Historic Site — Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs

State historic site documentation for the plantation of John Dickinson, author of the "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania" and a key figure in Delaware's constitutional development near Dover.

Dover, Delaware -- Wikipedia — Wikimedia Foundation

General reference overview of Dover including its establishment as the state capital and role in ratifying the Constitution. Specific claims should be verified against Delaware Public Archives and Munroe.

Visit Delaware: First State Heritage Sites — Delaware Tourism Office

State tourism resources on Delaware's Revolutionary heritage in Dover, including the Old State House, Legislative Hall, and the First State National Historical Park with practical visitor information.