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Dover, NH

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Dover, NH

Dover is a city in Strafford County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 32,741 at the 2020 census, making it the most populous city in the New Hampshire Seacoast region and the 5th most populous city in New Hampshire. It is the county seat of Strafford County, and home to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, the Woodman Institute Museum, and the Children's Museum of New Hampshire.

The city is named for Dover, Kent, England. First recorded in its Latinised form of Portus Dubris, the word "Dover" derives from the Brythonic word for "waters" (dwfr in Middle Welsh). The same element is present in the word's French (Douvres) and Modern Welsh (Dofr) forms.

The first known European to explore the region was Martin Pring from Bristol, England, in 1603. In 1623, brothers William and Edward Hilton settled at Pomeroy Cove on Dover Point, near the confluence of the Bellamy and Piscataqua rivers. This first settlement makes Dover the oldest permanent settlement in New Hampshire, and seventh in the United States.

The Hiltons were fishmongers sent from London by the Council for New England's Laconia Company to establish a colony and fishery on the Piscataqua. In 1631, however, the colony contained only three houses. William Hilton built a salt works on the property (salt-making was the principal industry in his hometown of Northwich, England). He also served as Deputy to the General Court (the colonial legislature). The Hiltons' name survives at Hilton Park on Dover Point (originally known as Hilton Point). The colony's original townships included Durham, Madbury, Newington, Lee, Somersworth and Rollinsford.

The town was called Dover in 1637 by the new governor, Reverend George Burdett. It was possibly named after Robert Dover, an English lawyer who resisted Puritanism. With the 1639 arrival of Thomas Larkham, however, it was renamed after Northam in Devon, where he had been preacher. But Lord Saye and Sele's group lost interest in their settlements, both here and at Saybrook, Connecticut, when their plan to establish a hereditary aristocracy in the colonies met disfavor in New England. Consequently, the plantation was sold in 1641 to Massachusetts and again named Dover.

Because it was an early settlement in Abenaki lands, settlers built fortified log houses called garrisons, inspiring Dover's nickname "The Garrison City." The population and business center shifted from Dover Point to Cochecho Falls on the Cochecho River, where its drop of 34 feet (10 m) providing water power for industry (Cochecho means "the rapid foaming water" in the Abenaki language). What is now downtown Dover settlers called Cochecho village.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 29.0 square miles (75.2 km²), of which 26.7 square miles (69.2 km²) are land and 2.3 square miles (6.0 km²) are water, comprising 7.97% of the city. Dover is drained by the Cochecho and Bellamy rivers, both of which flow into the tidal Piscataqua River, which forms the city's eastern boundary and the New Hampshire–Maine border. Long Hill, elevation greater than 300 feet (91 m) above sea level and located 3 miles (5 km) northwest of the city center, is the highest point in Dover. Garrison Hill, elevation approximately 290 ft (88 m), is a prominent hill rising directly above the center city, with a park and lookout tower on top. The average elevation above sea level in Dover is 49 feet (15 m).

Health and wellness are paramount in Dover, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Wentworth-Douglass Hospital stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Dover Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include EvoFit, Suite Studio | Dover and Granite Fitness & Performance. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Dover, such as the Dover Community Trail and Willand Pond Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Dover, NH include  The Children's Museum of New Hampshire, Woodman Museum, and Tendercrop Farm at the Red Barn.

Population: 33,416 (2022). Area: 29.04 sq mi (75.22 km²). Elevation: 50 ft (15 m). ZIP Codes: 03820. Area code(s): 603.

FAQs

What is Dover, NH famous for?

Dover, New Hampshire - The Garrison City. The city of Dover has a long and colorful history spanning nearly four centuries. Its earliest days as a colonial seaport led to a successful shipbuilding industry in the 1700s, and it flourished in the 19th century as the nation's leading manufacturer of cotton goods.

What is the crime rate in Dover, NH?

Dover has an overall crime rate of 11 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Dover is 1 in 94. Dover's rate falls within a moderate range compared to other municipalities, highlighting the city's efforts to maintain public safety and security for its residents.

Is Dover, NH expensive to live in?

The cost of living in Dover, NH is notably higher than the national average, reflecting its desirability and the quality of life it offers. Housing is a significant factor in this elevated cost, with prices about 41% above the national average. The median home price in Dover is approximately $356,630, while the average rent for an apartment hovers around $1,200 per month. These costs are influenced by Dover’s attractive suburban environment and proximity to larger cities like Boston, which is only about an hour’s drive away. Despite the higher housing costs, Dover offers competitive grocery prices and transportation costs that are below the national average, which can help balance overall living expenses.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Dover

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital

Dover Parks and Recreation Department 

EvoFit

Suite Studio

Granite Fitness & Performance

Dover Community Trail 

Willand Pond Trail

The Children's Museum of New Hampshire

Woodman Museum

Tendercrop Farm at the Red Barn

Neighborhood Scout

OCNJ Daily

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