Your Dover Home Painting Experts

Geography and Demographics

Dover, a riverside city in Strafford County, spans 29 square miles with a population of ~32,000 (2020 census). Located along the Cocheco River, it borders Rochester (north), Somersworth (west), and Portsmouth (east). Blending urban energy with natural beauty, Dover offers a mix of historic neighborhoods, riverside trails, and proximity to the Seacoast.

Historical Background

Settled in 1623 as Bristol, Dover is one of the nation’s oldest continuous settlements. A colonial milling hub, it later thrived in the 19th century with textile giants like the Cocheco Manufacturing Company. The 1827 Dover Cotton Factory fire spurred labor reforms, while Quaker settlers influenced its abolitionist legacy.

Government

Dover operates under a council-manager system. Recent initiatives include riverfront revitalization, affordable housing projects, and sustainability goals (e.g., LED streetlights, solar farms). The city also preserves historic districts like Dover Neck and Central Square.

Economy

A diversified economy anchored by healthcare, tech, and education. Major employers include Liberty Mutual, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, and Measured Progress. Downtown thrives with restaurants, breweries (e.g., 7th Settlement), and the Dover Farmers’ Market.

Culture and Community

Vibrant arts and civic life shine through events like Apple Harvest Day, Cochecho Arts Festival, and winter Holiday Parade. Landmarks include the Children’s Museum of NH and Woodman Institute Museum (1818). Groups like Seacoast Repertory Theatre and Dover Main Street foster engagement.

Education

Part of School Administrative Unit (SAU) 11, Dover schools emphasize STEM and vocational training. Dover High School partners with UNH and local industries for internships. Higher education access includes Great Bay Community College.

Landmarks and Recreation

- Henry Law Park: Riverfront green space with playgrounds and summer concerts.

- Garrison Hill Tower: A 1924 stone tower offering panoramic views.

- Cochecho Riverwalk: A trail linking mills, parks, and downtown.

- Bellamy River Wildlife Sanctuary: Wetlands for hiking and birding.

Modern Development

Dover balances growth with preservation, transforming mills into housing and offices. Recent projects include the West End Yards mixed-use complex and McConnell Center upgrades. The city prioritizes walkability and green infrastructure.

Transportation

Connected by the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16), Route 4, and the Amtrak Downeaster. Boston is 70 miles south, and Portsmouth International Airport is 15 minutes east.

Tourism and Proximity

A Seacoast gateway, Dover draws visitors to its museums, breweries, and riverside trails. It’s 15 minutes from Portsmouth, 30 minutes from the White Mountains, and 90 minutes from Portland, ME.

Notable Trivia

- Home to Foster’s Daily Democrat, the nation’s oldest family-owned daily newspaper (est. 1873).

- The Cocheco Mill Fire (1827) inspired early worker safety advocacy.

- The 1812 Quaker Meetinghouse sheltered Freedom Seekers on the Underground Railroad.

Dover masterfully intertwines colonial grit with modern innovation. Its rich industrial legacy, cultural vibrancy, and riverside allure make it a dynamic hub bridging New Hampshire’s past and future.