Dover DE Moving Companies

Dover, Delaware

Dover, Delaware is located in Central Delaware and is the capital of the state. Situated just 90 miles south of Philadelphia, 90 miles east of Washington, DC, and halfway between Washington and New York, the city offers a convenient location coupled with a quality of life second to none. When moving to Dover, you will experience a vibrant downtown, a beautiful historical district and friendly, deep-rooted neighborhoods.

History:
Dover, Delaware was founded in 1683. Stimulated by the need for better fire protection, the city constructed a water system in the late 1800s. Electricity came to Dover around 1900, when the water plant became the Light and Water Plant. Electricity was originally supplied for street lighting only, but by the year 1902, electricity was being produced and sold for commercial lighting. The electric generation and distribution system grew with the city and beyond. The city’s greatest periods of expansion came in the years following World War I and World War II. Completion of the Dupont Highway, which ran throughout the state, was completed in 1924 and helped the city to grow. Between 1925 and 1936, the city’s limits were extended and its infrastructure improved. In the years directly following World War II, the Dover acquired land for the construction of an airport. The land was developed and utilized during World War II as the Dover Air Force Base. Following the war, in 1954, personnel at the base was reduced to a housekeeping unit until reactivated by the Military Air Transport Service. Since that time, it has developed into one of the largest military freight terminals in the world.

Economy:
Dover is the second largest city in the state and the heart of government, commerce and industry for Central Delaware. The city is home to Kraft Foods and Procter & Gamble facilities. Foods and food items produced in Dover include soft drinks, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and canned goods. Major manufacturers include PPG Industries, Hirsch Industries Reichold Inc., Eagle Group and Sunroc Corporation. Refrigerators, synthetic polymers and adhesives, aerospace equipment, and chemicals are also made in the city. Dover Air Force Base has a considerable economic impact on the local economy totaling more than $330 million annually. The base operates the largest aerial port facility on the East Coast, and serves as a focal point for military cargo movement to Europe and the Middle East. The air base's military and civilian payroll of nearly $170 million is mostly pumped back into the local economy. Tourism is a growing industry in Dover. The addition of slot machines at the horse racing tracks in Dover, Harrington and Wilmington brings in even more visitors. Ticket sales at the local NASCAR races, as well as related industries, such as the restaurant and hotel industries, have a multi-million dollar impact on the city’s economy.

Tourism:
Begin your exploration in downtown Dover where you can examine the many legislative and government buildings that have stood for generations, or relax at Silver Lake's popular park and beach areas. The city has fun attractions for people of all ages. And the shopper in the group will be happy to hear about Delaware’s tax-free shopping. Various retailers and specialty stores are available for your shopping pleasure. To enjoy some Performing Arts, head over to Schwartz Center. The Schwartz Center offers a variety of shows, such as comedy acts, the Dover Symphony and numerous other performances. Looking for speed? Every year during the NASCAR season, the population of Dover explodes with tourists from across the US. Finally, every year numerous events are held around Dover, ranging from fireworks on the Fourth, Art Festivals and Christmas Caroling on the Green as well as parades such as St. Patrick’s Day and the African American Festival.

Colleges/Universities:

• Delaware State University
• Wesley College
• Wilmington University

Interesting Facts:

• John Dickinson was called the Penman of the Revolution for his writings on Independence. His boyhood home is preserved in Dover.
• The Dover Air Force Base is the home for the largest military mortuary in the Department of Defense, and has been used for processing military personnel killed in both war and peacetime.