Dover, Delaware
Located in central Delaware, and the capital of the state, Dover is a small town situated just 90 miles from Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. The city offers a convenient location coupled with a quality of life second to none. Moving to Dover, Delaware you will experience a vibrant downtown, deep-rooted neighborhoods and friendly, welcoming locals.
History:
The city was founded in 1683. Motivated by the need for better fire protection, the city constructed a water system in the late 1800s. Electricity came to Dover around 1900, when the water plant became the Light and Water Plant. Electricity was originally supplied for street lighting only, but by the year 1902, electricity was being produced and sold for commercial lighting. The electric generation and distribution system expanded with the city. Dover’s largest periods of expansion came in the years following World War I and World War II. Completion of the Dupont Highway, which ran throughout the state, was completed in 1924 and prompted the city to grow. Between 1925 and 1936, the city’s limits were extended and its infrastructure improved. In the years directly following World War II, the city acquired land for the construction of an airport. The land was developed and utilized during World War II as the Dover Air Force Base. In 1954, following the war, personnel at the base was reduced to a housekeeping unit until reactivated by the Military Air Transport Service. Since that time, it has developed into one of the largest military freight terminals in the world.
Economy:
Dover, Delaware is the center of government, commerce and industry for Central Delaware. The city is home to Kraft Foods and Procter and Gamble facilities. Foods and food items produced in Dover include soft drinks, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and canned goods. Major manufacturers include PPG Industries, Eagle Group and Sunroc Corporation. Refrigerators, synthetic polymers and adhesives, aerospace equipment and chemicals are also manufactured in the city. Dover Air Force Base has a considerable economic impact on the local economy totaling more than $330 million annually. The air base's military and civilian payroll of nearly $170 million is frequently infused back into the local economy. Tourism is a growing industry in Dover, thanks to the addition of slot machines at the horse racing tracks in Dover. Ticket sales at the local NASCAR races, as well as related industries, such as the restaurant and hotel industries, have a multi-million dollar impact on the local economy.
Tourism:
Delaware is well known for its tax-free shopping. Various merchants are available for your shopping pleasure throughout downtown Dover and national chains at the Dover Mall. Next, nestled inside the many historical buildings in Downtown Dover is the Schwartz Center, which was reopened in October 2001 after an extensive modernization from its roots as the Dover Opera House. The center offers an assortment of shows including comedy acts, weekend showing of the Dover Symphony among other performances. Every year during the NASCAR season, the population of Dover expands from 30,000 to 200,000 with tourists from across the country. Every year numerous events are held around the city, ranging from fireworks on July Fourth, art festivals and Christmas caroling, to ethnic parades such as St. Patrick’s Day and the African American Festival. To unwind, head over to Silver Lake's popular park and beach areas for a little R&R.
Colleges/Universities:
• Delaware State University
• Wesley College
• Wilmington University
Interesting Facts:
• Dover is home to the NASCAR stock-car races.
• The City of Dover is the Capital of the First State.
• The Dover Air Force Base is the home for the largest military mortuary in the Department of Defense, and has been used for processing military personnel killed in both war and peacetime.
Helpful Links:
• Dover Real Estate
• Dover Storage Facility
• Dover Insurance
• Dover Box Companies
• Dover Moving Companies