Constructed in 1791 at the direction of the State Legislature, the Old Courthouse served as the seat of Sussex County government until 1837, when it was sold and moved to this location to make way for construction of the present County Courthouse. It was later used as a private residence and also served as a printing shop. On September 20, 1962, the building and lot were conveyed to the State of Delaware. A major renovation project was undertaken in 1974 with funding provided by the State and the National Park Service. The building was dedicated on Return Day in 1976 in honor of the nation’s bicentennial.