John Dickinson Plantation

Overview
John Dickinson Plantation, also known as Poplar Hall, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the preserved home of a Founding Father in a peaceful countryside setting just outside Dover, Delaware. This historic site features a stately Georgian-style mansion, picturesque fields, and immersive exhibits that highlight life in 18th-century Delaware. The plantation is part of the First State National Historical Park and welcomes guests of all ages to learn about early American history, agricultural traditions, and the lives of those who lived and worked on the property.

Highlights
Guests can enjoy guided tours of the mansion led by knowledgeable interpreters in period attire. The plantation grounds include original outbuildings, heritage gardens, and a visitor center with rotating exhibits. A scenic walking trail now connects the plantation to the neighboring St. Jones Reserve, giving visitors a chance to explore natural landscapes while following a historic farm lane once used over two centuries ago. The site also hosts educational programs and special events that bring Delaware’s colonial and Revolutionary War-era history to life.

History of the Location
The property was established in the early 1740s when the Dickinson family relocated from Maryland. John Dickinson, later known as the “Penman of the Revolution,” grew up at Poplar Hall and went on to become a key figure in America’s founding. He authored influential writings and played a major role in shaping the nation’s early government. The estate reflects both the ideals and contradictions of the era, telling the stories of the Dickinson family as well as those of tenant farmers, indentured servants, and enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the land. Over time, Dickinson gradually emancipated those he enslaved, and the site now explores the full scope of its historical legacy.