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Discover Dover: Top 5 Fun Facts About Delaware's Charming Capital

illustration of dover-delaware
Get ready to delve into a treasure trove of delightful trivia as we uncover the most fascinating and amusing fun facts about Dover, Delaware!

1. Miles the Monster's Presidential Bid

In a land filled with ferocious beasts, monstrous mascots, and treacherous politicians, there once stood a creature tall enough to reach the Oval Office but humble enough to shake the hand of common stone: Miles the Monster, a massive 46-foot fiberglass titan staring daggers at unsuspecting racecar fans in Dover, Delaware: Known for his infamous yet failed bid for presidency in 2012 as the "Concrete Change" candidate, this Speedway sentinel is situated in Victory Plaza, fiercely gripping a racecar while proudly displaying plaques for every Dover NASCAR winner since 1969β€”with enough room for future victorious races through 2035.
Source => atlasobscura.com

2. The Monster Mile Speedway

In Dover, Delaware, there's a monster lurking, and no, it's not hiding under your bed or in your closet - it's an entire mile-long monster: Dover International Speedway, known as "The Monster Mile," boasts the largest seating capacity of any sports venue in the mid-Atlantic region. Sporting continuous improvements such as "The Monster Makeover" and a 46-foot tall fiberglass mascot named Miles the Monster, this speedway is every motorheads' monstrous delight!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

3. Cradle of Methodism Chapel

In holy matrimony with Methodist history, this little chapel in Delaware said "I do" to making a name for itself: Barratt's Chapel in Frederica, built in 1780, stands proudly as one of the oldest surviving churches in the U.S. for Methodist worshippers, earning itself the endearing nickname "Cradle of Methodism" and serving as a Heritage Landmark for the United Methodist Church. Step inside the sacred aisles with a tour on Wednesdays from 10am-2pm, and let the sanctified walls regale you with their tales of faith and devotion.
Source => visitdelawarevillages.com

4. Caesar Rodney's Midnight Ride

You might say Dover, Delaware has a potent "Caesar" dressing up its historical salad: Caesar Rodney, born in 1728, rode 80 miles through the night to break a deadlock in the state's delegation, ensuring Delaware's support for the Declaration of Independence. Esteemed as a statesman and Revolutionary War military commander, Rodney even served as the President (or Governor) of Delaware from 1778-1781, with a Dover school now named in his honor.
Source => archives.delaware.gov

Old State House: Capitol and Court Combo

5. Old State House: Capitol and Court Combo

Dover, Delaware: where courtly matters and state shenanigans were once a two-for-one deal! Curious? Look no further than the Old State House: This historic gem served as both the state capitol building and the Kent County Court House from 1792 to 1873. Now recognized as a National Historic Landmark, it offers visitors a free tour of its original Middle Georgian architecture topped with a twist of 2007 renovations.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

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