Dover, New Hampshire
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| Dover, New Hampshire | |
|---|---|
| Name | Dover |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Garrison City |
| Pushpin label | Dover |
| Coordinates | 43, 11, 41, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New Hampshire |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Strafford |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1623 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated (city) |
| Established date2 | 1855 |
| Government type | Council-manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Robert Carrier |
| Leader title1 | City manager |
| Leader name1 | Michael Joyal |
| Area total km2 | 75.20 |
| Area total sq mi | 29.03 |
| Area land km2 | 69.15 |
| Area land sq mi | 26.70 |
| Area water km2 | 6.05 |
| Area water sq mi | 2.34 |
| Elevation m | 15 |
| Elevation ft | 49 |
| Population total | 32281 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 466.8 |
| Population density sq mi | 1209.0 |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 03820-03822 |
| Area code | 603 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 33-18820 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0873579 |
| Website | www.dover.nh.gov |
Dover, New Hampshire. It is the most populous city in Strafford County and the fifth-largest community in the state. Settled in 1623, it is one of the oldest permanent settlements in the United States and the oldest continuous settlement in New Hampshire. The city is a central hub for the Seacoast Region, located along the Cocheco River and near the Piscataqua River.
History
The area was originally home to the Pennacook people before European settlement. In 1623, English fishermen and traders established a permanent settlement at Hilton Point under the Plymouth Council for New England. Early colonial history was marked by conflict, including the Cochecho Massacre of 1689. The community grew around the falls of the Cocheco River, powering numerous gristmills and, by the early 19th century, major textile mills operated by the Cocheco Manufacturing Company. The arrival of the Boston and Maine Railroad in the 1840s spurred further industrial growth, leading to its incorporation as a city in 1855. Key historical figures include John Sullivan, a general in the Continental Army and later Governor of New Hampshire, and Daniel Webster, who practiced law here early in his career.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 29.0 square miles, of which 26.7 square miles is land and 2.3 square miles is water. The city is drained by the Cocheco River, a tributary of the Piscataqua River which forms part of the border with Maine. It is bordered by the towns of Rollinsford, Somersworth, Madbury, Durham, and Lee, as well as the city of Rochester. The landscape includes several ponds, such as Bellamy Reservoir, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean coastline.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 32,281. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing Asian and Hispanic or Latino communities. The city is home to a significant student population due to the nearby University of New Hampshire in Durham. Other educational institutions include Dover High School and Great Bay Community College.
Economy
Historically dominated by manufacturing, particularly textiles and footwear, the economy has diversified significantly. Major employers now include Liberty Mutual, Measured Progress, and Lonza Biologics. The city's Central Business District features a mix of retail, dining, and professional services. The presence of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard across the river in Kittery also contributes to the local economy. Key commercial corridors include Central Avenue and the Dover micropolitan area.
Culture and recreation
The city hosts numerous annual events, including the Apple Harvest Day festival and the Cochecho Arts Festival. Cultural venues include the Dover Brick House for live music, the Children's Museum of New Hampshire, and the historic Woodman Institute Museum. Recreational facilities abound, with over 20 city parks, including Henry Law Park along the riverfront and the Dover Ice Arena. The Dover Community Trail and the nearby Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area offer outdoor activities. The city is also home to the Dover Public Library and several performance groups like the Seacoast Repertory Theatre.
Government
The city operates under a council-manager system established by its City charter. Legislative power is vested in a nine-member City Council, led by a popularly elected Mayor. An appointed City manager oversees daily administrative operations. The city is part of New Hampshire's 1st congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Chris Pappas. It is served by the Dover Police Department and Dover Fire and Rescue Department.
Category:Cities in New Hampshire Category:Strafford County, New Hampshire Category:Populated places established in 1623