The Beginners Guide to the John Dickenson Plantation

Delaware’s History Makers-John Dickenson Plantation

When I started this idea/quest to hit our roots and learn about Americas history. I had a few places in mind before researching, that I wanted to make sure we visited.  John Dickenson Plantation is one of those places I had in mind, situated very near Dover Air Force Base on Kitts Hummock Rd.  The road sign I have seen a million times while driving.  Always wondering who John Dickenson was and what was his historical significance to Delaware and American history.

Homeschool Field Trip

So imagine my excitement when our homeschool coop announced we were going to a tour and demonstrations given by the John Dickenson Plantation.  Now I’m a nerd.  I was more excited than the kids were!

During our visit I found out they were recently added to the National Parks System and is a wonderful retreat from the typical historical places one would visit. It is very quiet and feels very secluded.   The fee is donation only so no set fees.  Give what you want.

Upon arrival we were given a wonderful presentation about the plantation.  A Little history on how and why it came to be built near the St. Jones River.  Then there was a very informative video that helped us understand John Dickenson and his plantation a bit better.

History Lovers

I’m lucky in the fact that my kids really enjoy history and soak it up like sponges.  Now my husband is a known history buff.  I used to think I wasn’t really into history but here lately I feel like writing research papers and hallway long timelines when I find out new information.  Guess better late than never!

After our presentation in the barn and we walked around looking at the displays on the wall.  It was time to walk up the path to the main house.  Time to see what we had learned about during the video.

The tour of the main house was amazing.  The Friends of John Dickenson Plantation had went to great lengths to secure historically accurate furnishings and even had managed to find Caesar Rodney’s desk for the display.  Now he wasn’t a part of the history of the house but he was a close neighbor to John Dickenson during the same time period.

The tour was given by knowledgeable and memorable tour guides in colonial dress and really helped the presentation come alive.

Must See

I honestly don’t know what I had expected but it was one of the most relaxed, fun and informative historical places we have been to thus far.   It definitely earn a “Must See” rating on our list of Delaware Places to visit.

Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/JohnDickinsonPlantation/

for more information and plan your trip today!