Dover | USA Delaware

Dover is the capital city of Delaware and the county seat of Kent County. It serves as a primary administrative center for the state government and is home to one of the most significant United States military transport hubs, Dover Air Force Base.

Historical Timeline

Founded in 1683 by William Penn, Dover became the state capital in 1777 to protect the government from British naval raids on the former capital, New Castle. The city’s governance shifted through colonial and early federal periods, with its layout centered on a public square known as The Green. The primary event shaping the current urban form was the 1950s expansion of Dover Air Force Base and the subsequent construction of the DuPont Highway (US Route 13), which shifted commercial activity away from the historic center toward suburban corridors.

Demographics & Population

The total population within city limits is approximately 39,403. Ethnic demographics consist of Black or African American (44.6%), White (40.5%), and Hispanic or Latino (7.7%). The median age is 34.6 years.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

The city is organized into a historic core and a sprawling northern commercial sector. The Downtown/Historic District (Central) contains the state government buildings and judicial courts. The North Dover corridor (North) serves as the primary retail and entertainment zone, including the Dover Motor Speedway and Bally’s Dover Casino Resort.

Top City Landmarks

Old State House (The Green)

Air Mobility Command Museum

First State Heritage Park

Delaware State Capitol (Legislative Hall)

Biggs Museum of American Art

Transportation Network

Movement within Dover is facilitated by the DART First State bus system, which operates several local loops and intercity routes to Wilmington and the Delaware beaches. There are no metro or tram systems. Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft is the most reliable on-demand transit. Official taxis operate under various local names, such as City Cab. Traffic density is high along US Route 13 and DE-1 during the morning commute and significantly spikes during NASCAR race weekends.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is moderate. Areas near South New Street and North Kirkwood Street have higher incidents of property and violent crime; visitors are advised to avoid these neighborhoods at night. Standard vigilance is recommended in the downtown commercial area after business hours.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average internet speed is 400 Mbps via Comcast Xfinity or Verizon. Major mobile carriers include Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Card acceptance is universal. As Delaware has no state sales tax, retail transactions are calculated at the sticker price. ATMs are densely located along the US Route 13 corridor and near Legislative Hall.

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from -2°C to 6°C in January and 20°C to 31°C in July. Air quality is generally good, though summer humidity can lead to high heat indexes and occasional smog. Weather risks include severe thunderstorms and localized flooding during heavy rain events.

Culture & Social Norms

Tipping of 18–20% is standard in restaurants. Greetings are professional in the government district and informal elsewhere. Dress code for government buildings and legal proceedings is business-conservative. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all indoor public spaces and state-owned grounds.

Accommodation Zones

Stay in the Historic District for walking access to government buildings, museums, and colonial landmarks. Stay in North Dover (near the speedway) for proximity to major shopping centers, restaurants, and casino entertainment.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: USD 4.25

1 Standard Lunch: USD 16.00

1 Bus Ticket: USD 2.00

Nearby Day Trips

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (16 km)

Rehoboth Beach, DE (70 km)

Wilmington, DE (80 km)

Annapolis, MD (100 km)

Facts & Legends

Dover is home to "The Green," where Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution on December 7, 1787. A local legend involves the ghost of Judge Samuel Chew, a 17th-century Chief Justice who was supposedly so frequently mocked for his sneezing during life that his spirit continues to wander The Green, startling passersby with loud, spectral sneezes.