Dover, settled in 1623 along the banks of the Piscataqua River, was the first settlement in New Hampshire and the seventh settlement in the United States. As the largest community in the region and fifth largest in the state, Dover is a principal community of the Tri-Cities and the Strafford County seat.

The original settlement, Cochecho Plantation, took the Abenaki name for the river that runs through the city. The city has evolved throughout its 400-year history from its starts as a colonial seaport and ship building community. The City’s industries grew along the Cocheco river, as a leading cotton goods manufacturer in the 19th century and then brick manufacturer and successful mills through to mid-20th century. Today’s, Dover is one of New Hampshire’s youngest and most prosperous communities where its revitalized and thriving downtown reflects its history as a mill town.