According to Allcitycodes, Dover, Massachusetts is located in Norfolk County and is a small suburban town with a population of approximately 6,500 people. The town is bordered by the towns of Needham, Westwood, Walpole, and Medfield. Dover is situated on the Charles River and has several ponds and streams that are popular for swimming, fishing, and boating.
The geography of Dover is mostly made up of wooded hills with some residential areas nestled in between. The majority of the land in Dover consists of woodlands with white pine being the dominant tree species. There are also pockets of wetlands throughout the town that provide habitat for wildlife such as muskrats and frogs. The town has several conservation areas that are protected from development including Noanet Woodlands which is one of the largest conservation parcels in Norfolk County.
The town center of Dover lies along Farm Street which runs through the middle of the town. This street features small businesses such as restaurants, shops, banks, a post office, and other services for residents to enjoy. There are also several historic sites located throughout Dover including Old Post Road which dates back to 1640 as well as many colonial homes from the 1700s and 1800s.
Dover provides an idyllic setting with its rolling hillsides blanketed with trees and its quaint downtown area full of charming shops and restaurants. The town’s picturesque scenery makes it an attractive place to live or visit while its historic sites offer visitors a glimpse into Dover’s past.
History of Dover, Massachusetts
Dover, Massachusetts has a long and rich history that dates back to the mid-17th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Native American Wampanoag tribe and was known as Noanet, meaning “place of hills”. In 1640, the first European settlers arrived in Dover and established a settlement called Dedham Grant. This settlement later became part of the town of Dedham before eventually becoming its own separate town in 1784 when it was officially incorporated as Dover.
Throughout the 18th century, Dover remained mostly rural with its economy based on agriculture and livestock. By the early 19th century, Dover had become an important manufacturing center with several mills located along the Charles River. These mills produced goods such as textiles, paper, lumber, and leather goods which helped to drive economic growth in the area.
During this time period, Dover also experienced population growth which led to an increase in civic activity including schools being established and churches being built. The town also continued to develop its infrastructure with roads being constructed to connect Dover with nearby towns as well as bridges being built over local waterways such as Noanet Brook which allowed for easier transportation between villages within Dover.
In more recent years, Dover has become increasingly suburbanized with many residents commuting to Boston or other nearby towns for work or leisure activities. Despite this shift towards a more urban lifestyle, Dover still retains much of its rural charm thanks to its picturesque landscape and historic sites that have been preserved throughout time.
Economy of Dover, Massachusetts
Dover, Massachusetts has a vibrant economy that is driven primarily by the town’s many educational and medical institutions. The largest employer in Dover is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which employs over 15,000 people in the area. Other prominent employers located in Dover include Boston Scientific Corporation, Dover-Sherborn Public Schools, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
In addition to its educational institutions, Dover also has a thriving retail sector with numerous shops and restaurants located throughout the town. These businesses provide employment for local residents as well as attract visitors to the area who spend money at these establishments.
Agriculture remains an important part of Dover’s economy with many farms located throughout the town raising cattle, sheep, pigs, and other animals for meat or dairy products. The town also produces a variety of crops such as apples, blueberries, cranberries, and pumpkins which are sold locally or shipped to other parts of Massachusetts and beyond.
The manufacturing sector is another important part of Dover’s economy with several factories located in the area producing textiles, paper goods, lumber products, and leather goods. These businesses provide employment for local residents while also contributing to the overall economic health of the town through taxes paid by these companies.
Dover’s economy is diverse and growing with many different industries providing employment opportunities for local residents while also contributing to economic growth in the area.
Politics in Dover, Massachusetts
Dover, Massachusetts is a town located in Norfolk County and has a population of over 5,000 people. The town is governed by an open town meeting system in which all registered voters are allowed to participate in the decision-making process. The town is led by an elected Select Board of three members who serve three-year terms.
The town has a strong emphasis on public safety and has its own police department with officers who patrol the streets and respond to any calls for assistance. The police department works closely with other local law enforcement agencies such as the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Department and the Massachusetts State Police to ensure that the streets of Dover remain safe for all residents.
Dover is also home to numerous civic organizations such as the Dover Historical Society, Lions Club, Rotary Club, and Chamber of Commerce that help promote economic development in the area. These organizations also work hard to ensure that local businesses are supported and that the town remains a desirable place to live for both current residents as well as newcomers.
In addition, Dover holds regular elections for various municipal offices such as Town Moderator, Town Clerk, Assessor, Treasurer/Collector, and Board of Health members. Local citizens are encouraged to get involved in politics by attending meetings or running for office themselves if they are interested in making a difference in their community.
Dover has an active political system that encourages participation from all citizens while still providing necessary services to keep the town safe and prosperous.