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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Dover NH, The Garrison City

Today’s day tripping destination was Dover, NH, the oldest DoverNH 1011permanent settlement in the state, and the 7th oldest in the U.S. Dover’s population of almost 30,000 (as of the 2010 census) ranks it behind the cities of Manchester and Nashua and ahead of Portsmouth.

Dover is nicknamed “The Garrison City". after the style of log houses that early settlers built using felled trees. The garrison style typically has two stories; the second story overhangs in the front.

Settled in 1623 on the banks of the Piscataqua River, Dover was first called Hilton’s Point, after Edward Hilton. The town was also known by the Indian names of Newichwannock (place of wigwams) and Cocheco (the rapid foaming water) and briefly called Bristol and Northam. It became Dover permanently in 1637 possibly to honor Robert Dover, an English lawyer who resisted Puritanism.
dover collage1Dover's location on the Piscataqua and Cocheco Rivers made it a thriving center of trading and manufacturing.
dover collage3The city’s earliest days as a colonial seaport led to a successful shipbuilding industry in the 1700s. Incorporated as a city in 1855, Dover flourished as the nation's leading manufacturer of cotton goods. The development of a brick industry spanned decades of successful mill operations through the middle of the 20th century. mill collage1However, during the Great Depression, textile mills no longer dependent on New England water power either moved to southern states for cheaper operating conditions, or simply went out of business. Dover's mill yard shut down in 1937, and was bought at auction in 1940 by the city for a sole bid of $54,000. The Cocheco Falls Millworks now has tenants including technology and government services companies, and a restaurant.mill collage2The Cocheco Manufacturing Company founded in 1827 was named after the Cohecho River flows alongside downtown Dover (the misspelling was a clerical error at incorporation).
Our exploration downtown included a lunch stop for a slice of basil pesto pizza and then a cup of pumpkin coffee and pumpkin muffin.
pizza1011muffin-coff1011 (2)
The drive back to our Nashua accommodations, produced another display of nature’s beauty – in addition to the fall colors . . .
days end1011 (3)days end1011 (14)days end1011days end1011 (4)

9 comments:

Elaine said...

I'll have a slice of that pizza, please!

HermitJim said...

I've never had any pumpkin coffee before! That would be a new experience.

Have to admire those pictures of the town, but I really like the ones of that beautiful sky!

You have a great day!

Sara said...

You find so many things of interest wherever you go. That's not just because they are interesting but also because of how you look at the world. I love following your adventures.

When you head back to Lake Winnipesaukee be sure to visit Wolfeboro. I understand it is a beautiful New England town. It is on the southeast side of the lake. Weirs Beach, at the west central part of the lake is kind of like Seaside--sort of honkey tonk. Somewhere to the northeast of the lake on Rt 171 near 109 is Castle in the Clouds--a restored estate with a great view of the lake. You don't have to take the tour. You can go to the cafe and walk out on the "porch" to see the vista.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful place to visit! Thanks for taking us along.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Elaine, it was really good pizza and as NJ natives we do know (and appreciate) finding good pizza when on the road.

HermitJimthanks for the visit and comment. We do enjoy flavored coffees when travelling and this is the season for pumpkin ones so we're taking full advantage every place we find it, even Dunkin Donuts is featuring the flavor this month!

Hi Sara, so glad you are enjoying our adventures as much as we enjoy taking AND sharing them. Yes, we are planing to visit Wolfeboro which I was reading about last night. The Castle in the Clouds is also on the "to do" list. Next week we'll be spending a couple of days in the Conway and North Conway areas. THANKS for the suggestions.

Hey Chip, you are so welcome - thanks for coming along on the trip.

Out on the prairie said...

All very nice. The pesto pizza looks nice, I am going to try and make some with the last of my basil before frost.

NCmountainwoman said...

After I pulled myself away from the luscious pizza, I enjoyed the rest of the post.

Connie said...

A pumpkin muffin sounds good. Love the sunset shots. So pretty. :)

Susie Swanson said...

Would love to try the pumpkin bread and pumpkin coffee. I bet that would taste like pumpkin when put together..lol.