John Dickinson Plantation
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Delaware — Home of John Dickinson — the “Penman of the Revolution” who wrote the Articles of Confederation! This 1740 plantation on the St. Jones River offers tours of the Georgian mansion where Dickinson grew up. He freed his enslaved workers in 1777, making him one of the first Founding Fathers to do so.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Delaware |
About John Dickinson
John Dickinson Plantation near Dover preserves the boyhood home of the “Penman of the Revolution” — the Continental Congress delegate whose 1767 “Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania” rallied colonial opposition to British taxation. Dickinson drafted the Articles of Confederation and helped write the Constitution, yet refused to sign the Declaration of Independence (he thought it premature). The plantation includes the 1740 brick mansion and reconstructed outbuildings.
Things to Do
Touring the 1740 mansion, exploring the outbuildings and grounds, learning about colonial agriculture and slavery in Delaware, and connecting with the lesser-known “Penman of the Revolution.”
Plan Your Visit
Free guided tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday. The plantation’s slave quarters and agricultural outbuildings provide important context about enslaved labor in colonial Delaware. Dover Air Force Base’s air museum is 10 minutes away. Dover International Speedway (NASCAR) is nearby. The First State Heritage Park connects downtown Dover’s historic sites. The Dickinson Plantation is a National Historic Landmark.
Insider Tips
Penman of the Revolution: John Dickinson was called the “Penman of the Revolution” — his “Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania” (1767-1768) rallied colonial opposition to British taxation. Pro tip: Dickinson refused to sign the Declaration of Independence (fearing premature independence) but served in the militia and later helped write the Constitution. First State: Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution (December 7, 1787).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Delaware the “First State”?
Delaware ratified the US Constitution on December 7, 1787 — before any other state. The quick ratification reflected Delaware’s desire for a strong national government that would protect small states. The Constitution’s Great Compromise (equal Senate representation) was crucial for Delaware’s support. Being “first” became a source of enormous state pride — Delaware’s license plates read “The First State” and the state fiercely guards this distinction.
