Introduction to Dover, Delaware
Dover is the capital of Delaware and is located in Kent County. Its situated near the St. Jones River. The city received its name from William Penn in tribute to Dover, England. The Dover Air Force Base is situated in the area.
History
Dover was established in 1683. The city of Dover became the capital of Delaware in 1777. The central square of Dover recognized as "The Green" was the spot of numerous rallies and patriotic events. The well known American Revolution leader Caesar Rodney called Dover home. The topic of slavery was a contentious issue in Dover and the city was part of the Underground Railroad for slaves.
Electricity was brought to Dover in approximately 1900 when the local water plant became known as the Light and Water Plant and installed its first steam generating facility. Dover experienced significant expansion after World War I ended and after World War II was over. In 1937 the International Laytex Corporation was the first significant corporation to locate in Dover that was not involved in agriculture.
Transportation
Dover is served by the New Castle Airport as well as by the Wicomico Regional Airport located in Salisbury, Maryland. The Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport located in Baltimore and the Philadelphia International Airport also serve Dover. DART First State offers bus service in Dover.
Attractions
The Schwartz Center for the Arts offers ballet and music by the Dover Symphony Orchestra. It was formerly the Dover Opera House which was constructed in 1904. The building has been renovated. The Sewell C. Biggs Museum of American Art is located in the historic district of Dover and provides art collections going back to the Colonial days and up to the present. Visitors have the opportunity to view the historic government buildings in downtown Dover. The Dover International Speedway is a very popular site for NASCAR racing. Silver Lake is a popular area for residents and visitors.
College
Delaware State University and Wesley College are located in Dover. The Terry Campus is located in Dover and is part of Delaware Technical & Community College. Dover is also home to satellite campuses for the University of Delaware and Wilmington University.
Wesley College is a private college and was established in 1873. The college provides students with a variety of bachelors degree opportunities and master degrees in nursing, business administration, education as well as environmental science.
