East Dover Hundred in Kent County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Toward a Future Union

Photographed by Pete Skillman, September 23, 2025

1. Toward a Future Union Marker

Inscription.

Toward a Future Union. . Each of these unique sites made a distinctive contribution to our history. Learn about the cultures transplanted by early Swedish, Dutch, Finnish, and British immigrants, and the principles of the Society of Friends (Quakers) that shaped the region's social and political values. Each site presents a perspective on the continuing national journey toward "A More Perfect Union." We invite you to follow that journey.

Brandywine Valley
For centuries, preservation efforts have kept this land a haven for recreationists and outdoor enthusiasts. Brandywine Valley retains remnants of European settlement -- mills, stone houses, barns, corn-cribs, springhouses, and rich fields of golden grain. Follow a valley road into classic rural America.
Old Swedes Historic Site
A Swedish Lutheran congregation led by pastor Eric Björk laid the cornerstone of their church on May 28, 1698. Dedicated on June 4, 1699, Old Swedes Church was a sturdy statement of the ongoing cultural influence that Swedish settlers had on the upper reaches of the Delaware Bay.
Fort Christina
In 1638, Sweden signaled its intent to vie for empire in North America. The Kalmar Nyckel, anchored near the mouth of the Christina River, delivered New Sweden's first settlers. Until forced to surrender in 1655 by Dutch rivals, Fort Christina protected a fledgling fur trading and agricultural colony.
New Castle Court House Museum
New Castle played a central role in Delaware statehood and constitutional government. On June 15, 1776, the Colonial Assembly met in the court house and voted to separate from Great Britian and Pennsylvania. After declaring Independence in July, the colonies needed to write their own governing laws. In September 1776, elected delegates met in the court house to adopt Delaware's first state constitution.
The Dover Green
The Dover Green became a focal point of political life. Residents gathered there on July 29, 1776, to hear the Declaration of Independence. Eleven years later, on December 7, 1787, delegates meeting in a tavern on the edge of The Green voted to "fully, freely, and entirely" ratify the US Constitution, making Delaware the first state.
John Dickinson Plantation
The home of John and Mary Norris Dickinson is an appropriate place to remember the "Penman of the Revolution," and signer of the US Constitution. Conservative, analytical, cautious, he refused to sign the Declaration of Independence setting him at odds with his fellow revolutionaries. His passion for order and justice combined with his reasoned approach to constitutional government restored him to political favor.

(Captions):

Looking out from the front door of John and Mary Dickinson's home, towards St. Jones River.

The number of acres Dickinson owned in St. Jones Neck in Kent County totaled more than 5,000 by the time he died in 1808. The land consisted of marsh, wooded, and cleared land. The cleared land produced grain crops, while the wooded areas provided a source of fuel.

With his mariage to Mary, John strengthened his social and political bonds in Philadelphia, and gained control over a great deal of Pennsylvania property.

Each of these unique sites made a distinctive contribution to our history. Learn about the cultures transplanted by early Swedish, Dutch, Finnish, and British immigrants, and the principles of the Society of Friends (Quakers) that shaped the region's social and political values. Each site presents a perspective on the continuing national journey toward "A More Perfect Union." We invite you to follow that journey.

Brandywine Valley
For centuries, preservation efforts have kept this land a haven for recreationists and outdoor enthusiasts. Brandywine Valley retains remnants of European settlement -- mills, stone houses, barns, corn-cribs, springhouses, and rich fields of golden grain. Follow a valley road into classic rural America.
Old Swedes Historic Site
A Swedish Lutheran congregation led by pastor Eric Björk laid the cornerstone of their church on May 28, 1698. Dedicated on June 4, 1699, Old Swedes Church was a sturdy statement of the ongoing cultural influence that Swedish settlers had on the upper reaches of the Delaware Bay.
Fort Christina
In 1638, Sweden signaled its intent to vie for empire in North America. The Kalmar Nyckel, anchored near the mouth of the Christina River, delivered New Sweden's first settlers. Until forced to surrender in 1655 by Dutch rivals, Fort Christina protected a fledgling fur trading and agricultural colony.
New Castle Court House Museum
New Castle played a central role in Delaware statehood and constitutional government. On June 15, 1776, the Colonial Assembly met in the court house and voted to separate from Great Britian and Pennsylvania. After declaring Independence in July, the colonies needed to write their own governing laws. In September 1776, elected delegates met in the court house to adopt Delaware's first state constitution.
The Dover Green
The Dover Green became a focal point of political life. Residents gathered there on July 29, 1776, to hear the Declaration of Independence. Eleven years later, on December 7, 1787, delegates meeting in a tavern on the edge of The Green voted to "fully, freely, and entirely" ratify the US Constitution, making Delaware the first state.
John Dickinson Plantation
The home of John and Mary Norris Dickinson is an appropriate place to remember the "Penman of the Revolution," and signer of the US Constitution. Conservative, analytical, cautious, he refused to sign the Declaration of Independence setting him at odds with his fellow revolutionaries. His passion for order and justice combined with his reasoned approach to constitutional government restored him to political favor.

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by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Environment • Patriots & Patriotism • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is May 28, 1698.

Location. 39° 6.158′ N, 75° 26.949′ W. Marker is near Dover, Delaware, in Kent County. It is in East Dover Hundred. It can be reached from Kitts Hummock Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 318 Kitts Hummock Rd, Dover DE 19901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Mid-Atlantic

and on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Dickinsons in Delaware (here, next to this marker); The St. Jones River: Why the Mansion Faces South (about 700 feet

Toward a Future Union Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, September 23, 2025

2. Toward a Future Union Marker - wide view

away, measured in a direct line); Home of John Dickinson (about 700 feet away); St. Jones Neck (approx. 0.4 miles away); C-45G (approx. 1.1 miles away); C-60 (approx. 1.1 miles away); U-3A (approx. 1.1 miles away); LGM-30 (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dover.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 71 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 23, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.