Dover history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Dover begins in 1683, when William Penn, the founder of the colony, issued an order to establish a new settlement. The city was named after the English town of Dover in the county of Kent. The official layout of streets and squares was approved by a special commission in 1717, which is considered the moment the city was formally established.

Key Development Factors

Dover's transformation into a significant regional centre was driven by several strategic reasons:

• Geographical Location: The city is located in the central part of the state, making it more accessible to residents of all counties compared to coastal settlements.
• Political Status: In 1777, the state capital was moved from New Castle to Dover. This decision was dictated by security concerns: the distance from the Delaware River protected the government from potential attacks by the British fleet during the War of Independence.
• The Central Square (The Green): The historic square known as The Green became the foundation of the city's urban planning. It was around this area that the administrative and public life of the city was formed.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period, Dover's economy relied primarily on agriculture. The surrounding fertile lands were used for growing grain crops and raising livestock, while the city itself served as a sales market and trading hub for local farmers.

As an administrative centre, Dover also attracted lawyers, politicians, and merchants. The cultural life of the city was closely linked to the activities of the courts and the legislative assembly, while the historic square served as a venue for fairs, parades, and important public gatherings, uniting the citizens.

Major Milestones in the History of Dover

The history of Dover is rich in events that not only shaped the city itself but also influenced the formation of the entire state of Delaware. Below is a chronology of key moments in the city's development.

• 1683 — William Penn issues the official order to allocate land for the creation of the future settlement.
• 1717 — A special commission approves the urban development plan, centred around The Green.
• 1777 — The state capital is moved from New Castle to Dover to secure the government from British troops during the war.
• 1787 — Delegates ratify the US Constitution at a local historic inn, earning Delaware the honorary nickname "The First State".
• 1829 — Dover officially receives the status of a town in accordance with an act of the General Assembly.
• 1856 — Construction is completed on the railway line connecting the city to the regional transport system and stimulating the economy.
• 1873 — An educational institution opens, which would later become the renowned Wesley College.
• 1933 — Construction is completed on Legislative Hall, a majestic building in the colonial style for the state government.
• 1941 — The municipal airfield begins operations, transforming into a major Air Force base during the Second World War.
• 1969 — Dover Downs speedway opens, becoming one of the main venues for prestigious NASCAR motor races.
• 1974 — The historic district around The Green is included in the US National Register of Historic Places.
• 1986 — The Air Mobility Command Museum is founded, preserving the aviation heritage of the region.
• 2013 — Dover's historic square becomes part of the First State National Historical Park.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The evolution of Dover from a small judicial settlement to a modern economic and cultural centre of the state has passed through several key stages, each of which changed the face of the city.

• Capital Status (1777): The transfer of the state's administrative centre to Dover defined its urban structure. A government quarter formed around the historic square, The Green, cementing the city's role as the political heart of Delaware and ensuring a steady influx of civil servants and lawyers.
• Railway Revolution (1856): The laying of the Delaware railway line connected the city with the major markets of Philadelphia and New York. This event transformed the local economy, allowing a shift from local consumption to the large-scale export of agricultural produce, especially peaches and grain.
• Industrialisation and Canning Production (Late 19th Century): The emergence of large enterprises, such as the famous Richardson & Robbins factory (pioneers in poultry canning), turned Dover into an industrial hub. This stimulated urbanisation and attracted a new workforce to the city.
• Rise as an Academic Centre (1891): The founding of the educational institution now known as Delaware State University laid the foundation for the development of science and education. The university became an important cultural and social elevator, enriching the public life of the city.
• Military Expansion (1941): The creation of the airfield, which later became the strategic Dover Air Force Base, radically changed demographics and infrastructure. The military facility became the region's largest employer and the main driver of housing construction in the second half of the 20th century.
• Era of Big Sports (1969): The construction of the Dover Motor Speedway opened a new chapter in the city's history, turning it into a centre for sports tourism. Regular NASCAR races attract hundreds of thousands of tourists, providing a powerful boost to the hospitality and dining sectors.
• Historical Revitalisation (21st Century): The inclusion of the city's key sites in the First State National Historical Park reoriented part of the economy towards cultural tourism, highlighting Dover's unique role in the birth of the American nation.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Dover serves as a visual guide to the history of American building design, where colonial austerity sits alongside Victorian eclecticism and the monumentality of government buildings. The city's urban structure developed from the historic core to the periphery, preserving clear zoning of eras.

Colonial Period and Georgian Style

The basis of the city layout was The Green, established by order of William Penn. The 18th-century buildings surrounding it are distinguished by restraint, symmetry, and the use of red brick, characteristic of that time.

• Style: Georgian.
• Iconic Landmark: The Old State House (1791) — a standard of civil architecture of the early period with a characteristic octagonal dome and strict proportions.
• Features: Residential buildings of this period are represented by two-storey brick houses with gable roofs and panelled doors opening directly onto the street.

Victorian Era (19th Century)

The arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century led to an economic boom and the expansion of the city. Along State Street and adjacent quarters, luxurious mansions began to appear, reflecting the tastes of wealthy merchants and industrialists.

• Styles: Italianate, Second Empire, Gothic Revival, and Queen Anne.
• Characteristic Features: Asymmetrical facades, the presence of turrets, spacious verandas, decorative cornices, and intricate wooden decor.
• Location: The area known today as the Victorian District clearly demonstrates the transition from strict classicism to 19th-century romanticism.

Colonial Revival (20th Century)

In the 20th century, seeking to emphasise the status of the capital of the "First State", city planners turned to architectural nostalgia. Many administrative buildings were erected in a style mimicking the structures of the country's founding era.

• Style: Colonial Revival.
• Iconic Landmark: Legislative Hall, built in 1933. Despite the construction date, the building is stylised to look like the 18th century to harmonise with the historic surroundings, but it has much larger dimensions.
• Influence: This style cemented the visual identity of the government quarter, creating a unified ensemble with the historic centre.

Notable Personalities

The history and culture of Dover are inextricably linked with the names of people who made a significant contribution to the development of not only the city but the entire country. From the Founding Fathers to figures of science and art, these individuals left a noticeable mark on the heritage of the Delaware capital.

• Caesar Rodney (1728–1784) — Politician, lawyer, and officer.
  A national hero and one of the signatories of the US Declaration of Independence. He went down in history thanks to his legendary overnight ride through pouring rain to Philadelphia to cast the deciding vote for independence on behalf of the state of Delaware. His remains rest in the cemetery of Christ Church in the centre of Dover.
• Annie Jump Cannon (1863–1941) — Astronomer.
  A native of Dover who became one of the most influential women in the history of science. She developed the Harvard spectral classification of stars, which (with minor changes) is used by astronomers to this day. The house where she was born has been preserved in the city.
• John Dickinson (1732–1808) — Politician and publicist.
  Known as the "Penman of the Revolution", Dickinson was one of the most influential political thinkers of his time and the author of "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania". Although he lived in various places, his ancestral estate was located in the vicinity of Dover, and he played a key role in the political life of the city.
• Mabel Lloyd Ridgely (1872–1962) — Community leader and suffragist.
  She played a decisive role in preserving the city's architectural heritage. It was thanks to her efforts and persistence that the Old State House building was restored and saved from destruction. Her home on The Green is one of the city's landmarks.
• Richard Bassett (1745–1815) — Statesman.
  One of the signatories of the US Constitution. He served as Governor of Delaware and a US Senator. Bassett owned a home in Dover and actively participated in shaping the judicial and legislative system of the state during its early period.
• Teri Polo (born 1969) — Actress.
  A well-known American film and television actress, born and raised in Dover. She gained wide popularity thanks to her roles in the "Meet the Parents" film series. She represents the city's modern cultural contribution to the entertainment industry.