Dover

Dover (pop. 27,630), city, capital of Delaware and seat of Kent County, situated in central Delaware on the St. Jones River, 40 mi (64.4 km) south of Wilmington. Surrounded by a rich farming area, Dover serves as a marketing, shipping, and processing center. Among its industries are hosiery, rubber goods, and plumbing supplies. William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, planned the town in 1683, and it was laid out in 1717. In 1777 Dover replaced New Castle as the state capital. Dover is the site of Wesley Junior College and the Delaware State College.

See also: Delaware.