DE State Senator Eric Buckson Introduces Resolution to Bring Caesar Rodney Statue to Dover
Caesar Rodney Statue before removal from Rodney Square in Wilmington
South Dover State Senator Eric Buckson has introduced a resolution to return the Caesar Rodney equestrian statue to Kent County. The statue was removed from Wilmington’s Rodney Square in 2020 after and is currently in storage. Rodney, who was a slave owner, was also one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and rode through the night in 1776 to ensure Delaware’s vote for independence. Senator Buckson says that as we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary – it’s time for the Caesar Rodney equestrian statue to return home – to Kent County where he was born, raised and buried. Senate Concurrent Resolution 65 suggests possible sites in Dover including The Green or John Dickinson Plantation.
SCR 65 was formally introduced on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 and laid on table during consideration and now awaits further action.
Additional information from Delaware State Senate – Republican Caucus:
Senator Buckson introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 65 (SCR 65) yesterday calling on the State of Delaware, the City of Dover, and the Kent County Levy Court to work with the City of Wilmington to relocate the statue from storage and prominently display it in Delaware’s capital by July 4, 2026.
“Caesar Rodney was born, raised, and buried in Kent County. His legendary ride through the night in 1776 helped ensure Delaware’s vote for independence and, ultimately, the birth of our nation,” said Senator Buckson. “As we approach this milestone anniversary, it’s time to bring him home.”
The statue, which stood in Wilmington’s Rodney Square for nearly a century, was removed and placed in storage in 2020. Originally installed in 1923, it had become a historic centerpiece in Delaware’s largest city and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. Buckson noted that while the decision to remove the statue came during a time of national reflection, now is the time to tell the full story of Delaware’s founding, not to hide it.
“Our nation’s history is complex, but Caesar Rodney’s contributions are undeniable. He served as a soldier, judge, assembly speaker, chief executive of Delaware, and more. No other Delawarean has held more public offices,” Senator Buckson said. “He deserves to be honored during the very celebration made possible by his courage.”
SCR 65 suggests potential sites in Dover, including The Green or the John Dickinson Plantation, which are locations that tie closely to Rodney’s life and legacy.
Senator Buckson began advocating for the statue’s return in 2022 while serving as a Kent County Levy Court Commissioner, working alongside Dover City Councilman David Anderson. He continued the effort as a State Senator, initiating discussions with then-Governor John Carney (now Mayor of Wilmington), and engaging with state and local stakeholders.
“This isn’t about revisiting past decisions. It’s about looking ahead,” Buckson added. “With funding allocated for Delaware’s role in the 250th celebration, now is the time to act. Let’s bring Rodney home and share his story with a new generation of Delawareans and visitors alike.”