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Population: 27,630 Located in Kent County
The City of Dover was founded in 1683 by William Penn. In 1717, it was officially laid out over an area of 125 acres by a commission of the Delaware General Assembly. It grew nearly 1,000 acres in size by 1960.
The greatest periods of expansion in Dover occurred in the years following World War I and World War II. Completion of the Dupont Highway throughout the length of Delaware in 1924 acted as a catalyst. Between 1925 and 1936, Dover's limits were extended and its infrastructure improved.
The firm, International Laytex Corporation, came to Dover in 1937 and was the first major non-agricultural industry in the City. It has since become a major source of employment in the area. Today this company operates as two independent companies - Playtex Apparel, Inc. and Playtex Products, Inc.
In the years immediately following World War II, the City of Dover acquired lands for the construction of an airport. This land was developed and activated during World War II as the Dover Air Force Base. Following the war, personnel at the base was reduced to a housekeeping unit until reactivated by the Military Air Transport Service in 1954. Since that time, it has developed into one of the largest military freight terminals in the world and is home to the 512th Airlift Wing.
Today Dover is a thriving community. Residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional development continues at a stable rate. Dover supports four school districts and five colleges. The Dover Public Library and the Delaware State Library are available to residents at no charge. Thirteen major employers provide a diversity of employment opportunities from government to manufacturing. Dover's citizens are protected by a professional police force of 80 uniformed officers. Fire protection is provided by a volunteer fire department, Robbins Hose Company.
While its population is significantly less than that of Wilmington, Delaware, Dover encompasses a larger area than any other city on the Delmarva Peninsula. In contrast to most major cities in the Northeast United States, Dover is continuing to grow economically, in population, and in land area. The City has an estimated population of 34,120 and a total land area of approximately 26,000 acres.
The City of Dover is not only the Capital of the First State, but also the hometown to many of Delaware's historical landmarks. In downtown Dover you can peruse the many legislative and government buildings which have stood for generations, or relax at Silver Lake's popular park and beach areas. Dover has fun attractions for people of all ages.
Delaware is well-known as having tax-free shopping and many people from neighboring states flock to Delaware when making purchases thanks to our tax-free status. Various merchants are available for perusing throughout Downtown Dover and national chains at the Dover Mall. Whether buying clothes for school or a new car, the advantages are unlimited and savings pile up quickly.
Nestled inside the many historical buildings in Downtown Dover is the Schwartz Center which was reopened in October, 2001 after an extensive modernization and expansion from its roots as the Dover Opera House. The Center offers a variety of shows, such as comedy acts, weekend runnings of "Family Films and Classics" and the Dover Symphony among other performances.
Being founded in 1683, it's quite easy to understand the long history of culture and events in Dover. Every year numerous events are held around the City, ranging from fireworks on July 4th, Art Festivals, and Christmas Caroling on the Green to ethnic parades such as St. Patricks Day and the African American Festival.
Every year during the NASCAR season the population of Dover expands from 30,000 to 200,000+ with tourists from across the United States. MBNA, a locally founded Fortune 500 company, sponsors the MBNA 400. With premium hotels available and RVs abound, Dover, Delaware is truly a flagbearer for NASCAR and their fans every June and September.
Source: cityofdover.com
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