Christ Church
S. State and Water Sts., Dover, DEChrist Church was established as a mission of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in 1704; the present building has been occupied by the parish since it moved to this site in 1734. The site is one of two public squares set aside for houses of worship in the Dover town plan of 1717.
Most famous of the early ministers was Charles Inglis, later the first bishop of Nova Scotia. The parish declined after the American Revolution, and by 1859 the old church was near collapse. In that year, the parish sold its glebe and used the proceeds to renovate the church.
Much of the trim, the windows, and the interior fittings, of the church today were installed during the 1859, 1887, and subsequent renovations.
During the Revolutionary War, Samuel Megaw, a patriot, was rector of Christ Church. Unlike his associates in the Anglican ministry, Megaw was friendly to the American cause and to the Methodist missionaries. Among the parishioners of Christ Church at this time were Caesar Rodney (who is buried here), and members of the Banning, Ridgely, and Loockerman families.
Local significance of the building:
Most famous of the early ministers was Charles Inglis, later the first bishop of Nova Scotia. The parish declined after the American Revolution, and by 1859 the old church was near collapse. In that year, the parish sold its glebe and used the proceeds to renovate the church.
Much of the trim, the windows, and the interior fittings, of the church today were installed during the 1859, 1887, and subsequent renovations.
During the Revolutionary War, Samuel Megaw, a patriot, was rector of Christ Church. Unlike his associates in the Anglican ministry, Megaw was friendly to the American cause and to the Methodist missionaries. Among the parishioners of Christ Church at this time were Caesar Rodney (who is buried here), and members of the Banning, Ridgely, and Loockerman families.
Religion; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
During World War II, the District of Delaware played an important role in the war effort. The city of Wilmington was home to several defense contractors, including the DuPont Company, which produced materials used in the construction of military vehicles, weapons, and equipment.
About Kent County
Kent County Timeline
Kent County, located in the state of Delaware, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the colonial era. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlers arrived in the early 17th century. The first permanent European settlement in the county was established by the Dutch in 1631, but they were soon displaced by the English who took control of the region.
During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.
In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.
In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.
In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.
In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
Kent County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Kent County, Delaware.
- 1680: Kent County was established as one of three original counties in Delaware.
- 1682: The county's first courthouse was built in Duck Creek Crossroads, now known as Smyrna.
- 1701: Kent County became the new capital of Delaware, replacing New Castle.
- 1777: The Battle of Cooch's Bridge, the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Delaware, took place in the county.
- 1787: Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution at the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover.
- 1829: The Delaware Railroad was established, connecting Kent County to the growing transportation network.
- 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, was ratified by Delaware in Dover.
- 1978: The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village opened in Dover, showcasing the county's agricultural history.
- 2013: Kent County celebrated its 330th anniversary with various events and activities.