DE, USA
Caesar Rodney Elected President of Delaware
March 31, 1778
DateMarch 31, 1778
Precisionday
The Delaware General Assembly elected Rodney President (Governor) despite his deteriorating health from facial cancer. He organized Delaware's militia, managed supply contributions to the Continental Army, and suppressed Loyalist activity in Sussex County, serving until 1781.
People Involved
Caesar Rodney(Delaware Delegate to Continental Congress)
Delaware statesman who rode fifty miles overnight through a thunderstorm to cast the deciding vote for independence on July 2, 1776. Served as President of Delaware 1778–1781, organizing the state's war effort from Dover despite worsening facial cancer that would kill him in 1784.