Golden Fleece Tavern- First State's Birthplace and other Dover, DE Things to Do Tips

This was the site of the Golden Fleece Tavern, scene of some of the most important and dramatic events in Delaware history. Built in the 1730s, the Golden Fleece was a center for community and government activities. It was a place of great importance during the American Revolution and the early years of our Nation’s Independence. Also known as Battell’s Tavern, it hosted the meetings of the Committee of Inspection and Observation, and was a vital point for the exchange of wartime communications. With the transfer of state government from New Castle to Dover in 1777, the Golden Fleece became the meeting place of the Assembly’s Upper House, the Legislative Council. It was the home of that body until a State House was completed in 1791. In September 1787, a new framework for our Nation’s government was sent to the states for consideration. Thirty delegates were elected to meet and review the document. The meeting was convened here on December 3. Approval was unanimous, and on December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the Federal Constitution. A fitting climax to its role as Delaware’s “Capitol Tavern” occurred in January 1790, when the Council met to approve the Bill of Rights. The Golden Fleece was demolished circa 1830, and replaced by the Capitol Hotel. The hotel was closed in the 1920s, and renovated to its present appearance by Henry and Mabel Lloyd Ridgely.

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Directions: located on the Northeast corner of The Green and State Street

The Capitol Theater was built as the Dover Opera House in 1904 and expanded as a movie theater by George M. Schwartz in 1923. It is now a 600-seat art deco theater that combines the glamour of that earlier era with some surviving elements of the 1904 building. The modern expansion has doubled the size of the old theater, and features a grand stairway, elegant lobby, meeting space, a rehearsal hall that doubles as a small theater, and support spaces such as restrooms, catering kitchen, and dressing rooms.

The Schwartz Center for the Arts features music, dance, movies, and live theater. The Center partners with the Grand Opera House in Wilmington to host performances appearing there. Opera Delaware, Dover Symphony, Delaware Theater Company, and local theatrical troupes are among the other performers that grace the stage. Independent films, foreign films, classic movies, and Saturday matinees for kids are also offered.

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Phone: 302-678-3583
Address: 226 State Street

Walking around downtown Dover is always nice. The downtown is not that big so it is easy to walk most of it. There are quaint shops and also historic buildings, especially if you walk along State street. Lockerman has nice stores and also some eating establishments.

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Due to the recent state law banning smoking indoors, you can go to the Casino and not come out smelling like an ashtray. Of course, if your a smoker and you like smelling like an ashtray, you may not like Dover Downs :)

The casino is home 2,000 slot machines ranging from nickels to fifty dollars per play.
There are no card games like blackjack at the casiono.

Dover Downs has Harness racing, slot machines, a hotel and restaurant, and live entertainment. Live Harness Racing is held from November to April every year.

Of course, Dover Downs is also home to the Dover international speedway where various auto races call home including the very popular NASCAR races.

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Address: Route 13 North

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The Air Mobility Command Museum preserves military airlift and tanker aircraft that were once assigned to the base in both its incarnations as Dover Army Air Field and the Dover Air Force Base. These planes are an important part of military aviation history. The Air Mobility Command Museum is dedicated to restoring and displaying these proud symbols of America's ingenuity and might, and interpreting the stories they tell.

Hours: Mon - Sat, 9am to 4pm

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Phone: 302-677-5938
Address: 1301 Heritage Road
Directions: As you approach our location in Dover, Delaware from any direction, follow the brown AMC Museum signs with the red, white, and blue National Star to the Main Gate of Dover Air Force Base.
Website: http://amcmuseum.org/