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Dover, Delaware

Delaware's capital city and home to Dover Air Force Base, the primary port of entry for fallen American service members. Dover witnessed Delaware's historic first ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, earning the state its 'First State' nickname. The city's Dover Motor Speedway — the 'Monster Mile' — draws NASCAR fans from across the country.

Founded 1683 | Population 40,400 | Peak 40,400 (2024) | County Kent County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Dover, Delaware

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1683Founded: William Penn ordered the laying out of Dover as the court town for Kent County.

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1787First State: Delaware delegates met at a Dover tavern and unanimously ratified the U.S. Constitution — the first state to do so.

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1941Dover AFB: Dover Army Airfield was established, later becoming Dover Air Force Base and the military's primary mortuary affairs facility.

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1969Monster Mile: Dover Downs International Speedway (now Dover Motor Speedway) opened, becoming one of NASCAR's most iconic tracks.

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1829State Capital: Dover was formally incorporated and continued to grow as Delaware's capital city.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1683 Culture

Founded

1787 Government

First State

1829 Government

State Capital

1941 Government

Dover AFB

1969 Sports

Monster Mile

Did You Know?

Dover AFB's Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs is where America's fallen service members are received with honor.

Delaware ratified the Constitution on December 7, 1787 — five days before any other state.

Dover Motor Speedway's concrete surface earned it the nickname 'Monster Mile' for its punishing conditions.

The Dover Green, a public square laid out in 1722, is where Delaware's citizens celebrated the Constitution's ratification.

Dover is home to Delaware State University, a historically Black university founded in 1891.

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