As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary this July 4, Delaware will also mark its role in casting the decisive “tie‑breaking” vote that secured independence from England.
In 1776, Caesar Rodney (a native of Dover, DE) rode on horseback from Dover to Independence Hall in Philadelphia to cast the deciding vote on behalf of the Delaware delegation in favor of independence from England.
In addition to signing the Declaration of Independence, Rodney served as Register of Wills—the same position currently held by attorney Ciro Poppiti, who on June 12 and 13 will ride from Delaware to Independence Hall in Philadelphia, reenacting the feat of one of the nation’s “Founding Fathers.”
This initiative by the Delaware Italian American Foundation—called the “250 Ride”—will not follow the equestrian paths Rodney once took, but instead modern roads (Route 13 through Claymont and Delaware County, and then Passyunk Avenue to Independence Hall). Nor will it take place in early July, as historically appropriate, but a month earlier, since Philadelphia will be hosting the FIFA World Cup in July. And while Caesar Rodney rode alone, Poppiti will be accompanied by several “symbolic companions”—historical figures representing the builders, thinkers, leaders, and communities whose stories are often left out of traditional Revolutionary narratives, yet whose contributions helped shape the United States.
One such figure is Jacob Broom—portrayed by Hugo Immediato Jr.—who will join the procession as part of “Unheard Voices of the Revolution,” an effort to remind audiences that although Caesar Rodney helped secure Delaware’s vote for independence, the story of the nation’s founding belongs to many voices.
For Ciro Poppiti, who portrays Caesar Rodney, even though the historical figure has become controversial, this should not overshadow his role as a key figure in the history of American independence.
In statements to NBC Philadelphia, Poppiti said:
“We have critics—critics who want to condemn Caesar Rodney because he owned slaves, and they have every right to do so.
We welcome those who criticize Rodney, because those critics are helping us fulfill our mission. Our mission is to tell the full story—with all its imperfections—and to highlight the fact that people of all backgrounds contributed to what became the greatest unexpected achievement in world history.
The journey will begin at Christ Episcopal Church in Dover on June 12 at around 11:00 a.m. Between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., members of the reenactment will gather at the “250 Ride” Gala at Thousand Acre Farm, where they will await Caesar Rodney’s arrival at the end of the first day.
On June 13, the reenactment will continue toward historic Old New Castle, where participants will take part around midday in the Separation Day Parade. Caesar Rodney, Jacob Broom, and members of the “Unheard Voices” initiative will walk through the historic streets, after which the carriage will continue its symbolic journey to Independence Hall in Philadelphia.