An octagonal cupola tops Old Town Hall, the two-story brick landmark built in Wilmington in 1798. Built in 1798, this large two-story brick building speaks in the late-Georgian and early-Federal language of design. Its roof is gently sloping and is topped by a large octagonal cupola; in an earlier day it once wore a wooden balustrade.
The building housed the Wilmington city government until 1916, and during that time it served as a focal point for many public events in Delaware's history. Ownership and care of the property now rest with the Delaware Historical Society, which maintains the building and its history for the city. In recognition of its significance, Old Town Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Stand here and imagine civic business, speeches, and gatherings centered beneath this cupola, the two stories of brick holding the memories of a young nation’s local life. Picture civic business, speeches, and gatherings once centered beneath this cupola, and follow the gently sloping roofline where a wooden balustrade once stood.