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

The Golden Fleece Tavern

Birthplace of the First State

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, December 15, 2010

1. The Golden Fleece Tavern Marker

Inscription. 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”

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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.

Erected 2002 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number KC-76.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1790.

Location. 39° 9.396′ N, 75° 31.425′ W. Marker is in Dover, Delaware, in Kent County. It is in East Dover Hundred. It is at the intersection of State Street and The Green, on the left when traveling south on State Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dover DE 19901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Mid-Atlantic,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the

The Golden Fleece Tavern image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, December 15, 2010

2. The Golden Fleece Tavern

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 walking distance of this marker: In the Council Chamber of Elizabeth Battell's Golden Fleece Tavern (here, next to this marker); Votes for Women (a few steps from this marker); Ridgely House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Delaware Line (within shouting distance of this marker); Delaware Decides (within shouting distance of this marker); The Green (within shouting distance of this marker); State House (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary War Patriots (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dover.

The Golden Fleece Tavern Shingle image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 17, 2012

3. The Golden Fleece Tavern Shingle

Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,415 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on October 25, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.