DELAWARE — Republican State Senator Eric Buckson is leading an effort to try and bring the iconic Caesar Rodney equestrian statue back to Dover. The move comes as we near the 250th Anniversary of the United States.
“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."
In order to do that, Senator Buckson introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 65, 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.
For nearly 100 years, the statue stood in Wilmington's Rodney Square, but it was moved into storage in 2020. The decision was a reaction to the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, which led many states and organizations to reevaluate how they memorialize key historic figures. Rodney was one of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, but like many men of the day, he was also a slave owner.
“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.”
Senator Buckson has been working to see the statue returned since 2022 while he was serving as a Kent County Levy Court Commissioner and continued the effort as a State Senator.
“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.”
SCR 65 was formally introduced on Tuesday, May 6.