Dover, Massachusetts
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| Dover, Massachusetts | |
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| Name | Dover |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Massachusetts |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Norfolk |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1635 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1836 |
| Government type | Open town meeting |
| Leader title | Town Manager |
| Leader name | Christopher Dwelley |
| Area total km2 | 39.6 |
| Area land km2 | 39.1 |
| Area water km2 | 0.5 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 5,923 |
| Population density km2 | 151.5 |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 42, 14, 45, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 02030 |
| Area code | 508 / 774 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 25-17325 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0618340 |
| Website | www.doverma.org |
Dover, Massachusetts. Dover is an affluent residential town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, known for its pastoral landscapes, large estate properties, and commitment to historical preservation and conservation. Originally part of the Dedham Grant and later Springdale within Medfield, it was incorporated as a separate town in 1836. The community maintains a strong rural character with a significant portion of its land protected as open space, including the extensive Noanet Woodlands and Hale Reservation.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Massachusett people before European settlement began as part of the Dedham Grant in the 1630s. For nearly two centuries, it functioned as the remote "Springdale" parish of Medfield, with an economy centered on agriculture and several mills along the Charles River. The town's separation and incorporation in 1836 was driven by the need for a local government and the arrival of the Boston and Providence Railroad, which established a station at the village of Dover. The 19th century saw the development of notable estates, including the Pine Hill Park estate of John H. Greaton, and the town became a summer retreat for wealthy Bostonians. The 20th century reinforced its exclusive residential nature, with significant land conservation efforts led by families like the Chickerings and organizations such as the Trustees of Reservations.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 39.6 square kilometers, of which 39.1 square kilometers is land and 0.5 square kilometers is water. Dover is bordered by Natick, Sherborn, Medfield, Walpole, Westwood, and Needham. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and ponds, with the Charles River forming part of its southern boundary. Major geographic features include Farm Pond, Powissett Pond, and Noanet Peak, the highest point in the town. A substantial portion of the town is protected open space, including the Charles River Peninsula and tracts managed by the New England Forestry Foundation.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 5,923. The town is consistently ranked among the wealthiest communities in the United States by metrics such as median household income. The racial makeup is predominantly White, with smaller populations of Asian, Hispanic, and other groups. Housing in Dover is primarily single-family homes on large lots, contributing to a low population density. Educational attainment levels are among the highest in the state, with a significant percentage of residents holding advanced degrees from institutions like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Government
Dover employs the Open town meeting form of government, led by a three-member Board of Selectmen and a professional Town Manager. The town is part of the Massachusetts House of Representatives's 13th Norfolk district, the Massachusetts Senate's Norfolk and Middlesex district, and the U.S. House's Massachusetts's 4th congressional district. Local services include a dedicated Police Department and a call Fire Department. The town is known for its fiscally conservative management and low tax rate, while maintaining high levels of service, and is a member of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.
Education
Public education for pre-K through grade 8 is provided by the Dover-Sherborn Regional School District, which operates the Chickering Elementary School and the Dover-Sherborn Regional Middle School. High school students attend the highly ranked Dover-Sherborn Regional High School. The district is known for its strong academic performance and is a member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The town also hosts several private institutions, including the Charles River School and the Dover Campus of the German International School Boston. The Dover Town Library, an association library, serves as a community hub.
Notable people
Notable current and former residents include John H. Greaton, a prominent 19th-century merchant; Arthur D. Little, founder of the eponymous consulting firm; and John D. Spooner, financier and author. The town has been home to several figures in academia and science, such as Harvey Brooks of Harvard University, and Robert S. McNamara, former Secretary of Defense and World Bank president. Media personalities like Natalie Jacobson of WCVB-TV and authors including Anita Shreve have also resided in Dover. Business leaders such as Abigail Johnson of Fidelity Investments and former General Electric CEO John L. Flannery are also associated with the community.
Category:Towns in Massachusetts Category:Towns in Norfolk County, Massachusetts Category:1836 establishments in Massachusetts