The Golden Fleece Tavern: Delaware’s First Seat of Independence
In the heart of Dover once stood the Golden Fleece Tavern, a lively gathering place built in the 1730s that became the backdrop for some of Delaware’s most defining moments. Known also as Battell’s Tavern, it served as a hub for community life, political discussion, and Revolutionary‑era communication. During the struggle for independence, local committees met here to coordinate wartime efforts and share vital news.
When Delaware’s state government moved from New Castle to Dover in 1777, the tavern took on an even greater role, becoming the meeting place of the Legislative Council—Delaware’s Upper House—until the State House was completed in 1791.
Its most enduring legacy came a decade later. In December 1787, thirty delegates gathered inside the tavern to consider the newly proposed United States Constitution. Their decision was swift and unanimous. On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution, earning its proud title as The First State. The tavern again made history in January 1790, when the Council met here to approve the Bill of Rights.
The Golden Fleece was demolished around 1830 and later replaced by the Capitol Hotel, which was renovated in the 1920s. Though the original building is gone, its site remains a landmark of Delaware’s Revolutionary spirit and early nationhood.