History and Development
Dover was founded in 1683 as the court town for the newly established Kent County by William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. The city was officially laid out in 1717 by a special commission of the Delaware General Assembly. Dover's strategic location in central Delaware made it an ideal choice for the colonial government seat.
In 1777, the capital of Delaware was moved to Dover from New Castle due to its central location and relative safety from British raiders on the Delaware River during the American Revolution. The assembly finally settled permanently in Dover in October 1781.
A significant moment in American history occurred in Dover on December 7, 1787, when Delaware became the first of the thirteen colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution, earning Delaware its nickname as "the First State." This historic event made Dover a central location in the founding of the American nation.
Government and Administration
Dover serves as Delaware's capital and the seat of Kent County government. The city is governed by a Mayor and City Council providing municipal services and local governance. The Delaware General Assembly, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives, meets in Dover at Legislative Hall to conduct state business.
The city hosts numerous state government offices and functions as the political and administrative center of Delaware. Key governmental institutions include the Delaware Supreme Court and the Kent County Courthouse, both located near The Green, Dover's historic central square.
Economy and Industry
Dover's economy is diverse, employing approximately 17,600 people with a median household income of $58,336 and a poverty rate of 17.51%. The city continues to grow as one of the faster-growing areas in Delaware due to the relatively low cost of living.
Major Industries and Employers
- Healthcare and Medical Services - The largest industry, employing 2,960 people at Bayhealth healthcare system and related medical facilities
- Retail Trade - Major employment sector with 2,464 workers in retail establishments
- Educational Services - Universities and schools employ 1,939 people
- Government Services - Delaware state government is a major employer with legislative, executive, and administrative operations
- Dover Air Force Base - Major employer in the region with military and civilian operations
- Delaware State University - Educational institution and significant employer
- Sports and Entertainment - Dover Downs provides entertainment, gaming, and employment
- Tourism - Growing industry with dollars often going further due to Delaware's lack of sales tax
Attractions and Historical Sites
Historic Sites and Government Buildings
- Delaware State Capitol (Legislative Hall) - Historic building housing the Delaware General Assembly
- The Old State House - Built in 1791 and served as Delaware's capitol building until 1933, with surrounding historic district
- The Green at Delaware's First State Heritage Park - Historic central square surrounded by government buildings, museums, and historic landmarks where many important American events occurred
- Delaware Supreme Court - Located near The Green with historic architecture
- Kent County Courthouse - Historic courthouse located in the heart of Dover's historic district
Museums and Cultural Sites
- Biggs Museum of American Art - Located near the state capitol building, featuring American art collections
- John Dickinson Plantation - Historic home of John Dickinson, framer and signer of the U.S. Constitution, known as the "Penman of the Revolution"
- First State Heritage Park Visitor Center and Galleries - Interpretation center showcasing Delaware's colonial history and role in American independence
- John Bell House - Historic house museum
Recreation and Entertainment
- Air Mobility Command Museum - The only institution in the country dedicated to airlift and air refueling history, located in historic Hangar 1301, a World War II-era facility
- Dover Downs - Major entertainment venue featuring harness racing, NASCAR racing events, and slot machine gaming
- Bally's Dover Casino Resort - Largest casino in Delaware with nearly 2,000 slots and a wide range of table games
- Parks and Recreation - Various parks and trails for outdoor activities
- Golf Courses - Multiple championship and public golf courses in the area
Unique Features
NASCAR Heritage: Dover is known as the NASCAR capital of Delaware, hosting major racing events and being home to Dover Motor Speedway (formerly Dover Downs).
The First State: Dover was home to the historic December 7, 1787 event when Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
No Sales Tax: Delaware has no sales tax, making it attractive for shopping and tourism.
Education and Universities
Dover is home to significant educational institutions:
- Delaware State University - Historically Black university offering undergraduate and graduate programs
- Delaware Technical Community College - Community college serving the region
- Dover Public Schools - School district serving the city
For comprehensive educational resources, visit Delaware Education Resources, Delaware Colleges and Universities, and online degree programs.
Practical Information
Dover is served by nearby airports in the Wilmington area and Philadelphia region. Delaware Airport provides general aviation services.
For complete airport information.
Demographics
Dover has a 2025 population of 40,387 with a median age of 35.1 years. The city is diverse, with the largest ethnic groups being: Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) at 43.9%, White (Non-Hispanic) at 35%, and other ethnic groups comprising smaller percentages. The population is growing at a rate of 2.49% since the 2020 census.
Business Resources
Healthcare and Medical Services
Dover is served by healthcare facilities including:
- Bayhealth Medical Center - Major healthcare system serving the region
- Bayhealth Hospital - Kent Campus - Full-service hospital
- Dover Family Physicians - Primary care services
- Various clinics, urgent care facilities, and specialty practices throughout Dover
For comprehensive healthcare resources, visit Delaware Hospitals and Medical Facilities
Media and Communications
Frequently Asked Questions
Delaware is called "The First State" because it was the first of the thirteen original colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution. This historic event occurred in Dover on December 7, 1787, making Delaware the first state to adopt the new Constitution.
Dover was founded in 1683 by William Penn as the court town for Kent County. It was officially laid out in 1717 by the Delaware General Assembly. In 1777, during the American Revolution, Dover became the capital of Delaware, replacing New Castle.
Dover has a 2025 population of 40,387 with a median age of 35.1 years. The city is diverse and growing at a rate of 2.49% since the 2020 census, making it one of the faster-growing areas in Delaware.
Top attractions include The Green (historic central square), Delaware State Capitol, Old State House Museum, John Dickinson Plantation, Biggs Museum of American Art, Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover Downs, and Bally's Dover Casino Resort.
Dover is known for its historic heritage as Delaware's capital and the birthplace of "The First State," its NASCAR racing tradition at Dover Downs/Motor Speedway, gaming at Bally's Casino, the Air Mobility Command Museum, and its role in American colonial history and the ratification of the Constitution.
Dover's economy is based on healthcare (2,960 workers), retail trade (2,464 workers), education, government services, the Dover Air Force Base, Delaware State University, and tourism. The city is growing due to its low cost of living and no sales tax.
No, Delaware has no sales tax, making it unique among U.S. states. This attracts shoppers and tourists, as dollars go further when purchasing goods in Delaware compared to neighboring states.
Delaware State University is located in Dover, a historically Black university offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Delaware Technical Community College also serves the region. For more options, visit Delaware education resources for colleges and online degree programs.
Delaware State Resources