Rodney Court

Mundorff Beverage Co

Wilmington, DE    

Contributed by Jon Onufrock

Since 1919

From the label: Caesar Rodney, outstanding Colonial patriot of Delaware, was born on October 7, 1728 at his father's plantation, "Byefield" on the St. Jones River, east of Dover in Kent County, Delaware. Educated as a gentleman, a man of action, energy and high moral courage, he held many public offices from 1755 to the day of his death, June 26, 1784. Elected in 1758 as a delegate to Colonial legislature, Rodney's vote broke the tie on July 2, 1766 that made the Colonies unanimous for the Declaration of Independence. In Delaware at the time, helping to suppress a Tory uprising, Rodney received word of the deadlock in the voting on July 1. Knowing the importance of his vote in a legislature that was wavering on the question of declaring independence, and, though ill, he mounted his horse and rode the 80 miles from Dover to Philadelphia in hot July weather, arriving July 2 just in time to cast the deciding vote for independence. His industry, understanding and unfailing good humor won respect and acclaim throughout the Colonies. He is buried in Dover at the Episcopal Burying Grounds of Christ Church where the State has erected a memorial to him. An equestrian statue in commemoration of his historic ride stands in Rodney Square in Wilmington. We respectfully offer an illustration of this status on this label.