In historic Kent County lies Delaware’s best-kept secret, Dover. Although Dover is the capital of the small wonder, many do not realize all the marvels that this beautiful city offers. Dover offers history, art, entertainment and opportunity.

In 1682 William Penn was given the deed to Delaware from James, Duke of York (later King James II). The city of Dover was laid out in the early 1700s by order of William Penn. Penn founded Dover in 1683 and named it after an English city, and he changed the name of the county from St. Jones to Kent, after a county in England. Dover became the state capital in 1777, replacing New Castle.

Surrounding the Old State House and Legislative Hall where Delaware’s General Assembly meet, in the heart of Capital Square, is The Green. In the 1700s and 1800s, The Green was a place where festivals were enjoyed, where artists could be expressive in their work and where government officials congregated. Once a year, it is the focus of Old Dover Days, a festival celebrating the early life of the city. Nearby is the Sewell C. Biggs Museum, which features American paintings and fabulous works of art that span two centuries.

Dover also has a Victorian district lined with magnificent homes, beautiful landscapes and brick sidewalks, which represent Dover’s first expansion as a community.

For exciting amusement, the Dover Downs Entertainment Complex offers the thrill of slots and harness racing, exciting concerts and NASCAR racing. Dover also has numerous shopping centers and a wide array of restaurants. Part of the Capital School District, Dover is served by several elementary, middle, and high schools. In addition, such institutions as Delaware State University, Wesley College, Wilmington College, and Delaware Technical and Community College are located in the vicinity.

Dover is conveniently located on Route 13 just off Route 1, approximately 45 minutes south of Wilmington and a little over an hour south of Philadelphia.