The capital of Delaware since 1777, Dover was laid out by William Penn around the city's lovely green. For almost 200 years there were coach houses and inns on King's Road between Philadelphia and Lewes. Circling the green north and south on State Street are fine 18th- and 19th-century houses.

Today, because of Delaware's favorable corporation laws, more than 60,000 US firms pay taxes in Dover. At Dover Air Force Base, south off Rte 113, the Military Airlift Command operates one of the biggest air cargo terminals in the world, utilizing the giant C5-A Galaxy aircraft. Dover is also the home of Delaware State College, Wesley College, and the Terry campus of Delaware Technical and Community College.