John Dickinson House facts for kids
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John Dickinson House
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John Dickinson House
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 Location in Delaware
Location in the United States
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| Location | 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, Delaware |
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| Built | 1739/40 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000258 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | January 20, 1961 |
The John Dickinson House, also known as Poplar Hall, is a very old and important home in Kent County, Delaware. It's about 5 miles (8 km) south of Dover. This house was the childhood home of Founding Father John Dickinson (1732-1808).
John Dickinson was a key person in early American history. He helped write the Articles of Confederation and was involved in creating the Constitution of the United States. Today, the house is owned by the State of Delaware. It is run as a museum by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. Since 2013, it has been part of the First State National Historical Park.
The Historic John Dickinson House
The main part of the house is a beautiful Early Georgian style mansion. It was built in 1739–40 by Judge Samuel Dickinson, John Dickinson's father. The house was part of a very large plantation, about 13,000 acres (5,300 hectares). Later, extra sections called wings were added in 1752 and 1754.
The house originally faced a bend in the St. Jones River. However, the river has since been straightened, so that bend is no longer there. The house faced some tough times. It was badly damaged during a British attack in August 1781. Then, in 1804, a fire almost destroyed it.
John Dickinson did not live in the house all the time. He stayed there for longer periods only in 1776–77 and 1781–82. Still, he cared a lot about the property and visited often. In 1952, the National Society of Colonial Dames of America bought the house. They then gave it to the State of Delaware. In 1961, it was officially named a National Historic Landmark.
Who Was John Dickinson?
John Dickinson was a very important lawyer and politician. He spent most of his time in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware. He held many important jobs during his life.
- He was a representative for Pennsylvania and Delaware in the Continental Congress.
- He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
- He served as the President of Delaware.
- He also served as the President of Pennsylvania.
Dickinson was one of the wealthiest people in the American colonies. He became known as the Penman of the Revolution. This nickname came from his famous writings called Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania. In these letters, he strongly argued for American freedom.
Even though he chose not to vote for the Declaration of Independence in 1776, he strongly supported the new American government. He continued to serve his country in many official roles during and after the American Revolution.
