Dover, New York

Dover, New York, is a town in Dutchess County. It was named after Dover in England, which was the home town of an early settler.  It is situated on the eastern boundary of the county, west of Connecticut, and known for its scenic beauty and rolling hills and plains.

The Ten Mile River, which is 15.4-miles long, flows from the north through the center of town, then turns east into Connecticut and joins the Housatonic River. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the town.

Dover’s history goes back to 1807, when it was formed.  According to the town’s website, “During the Revolution, Washington's Army marched the Upper Road, from Hartford to Fishkill, which ran beside the Ten Mile River; they camped west of present day Wingdale.”

The J.H. Ketcham Hose Co. is part of the town’s history, having proudly served and protected Dover as its fire company for more than 100 years.  

Dover Plains

Dover is home to many unique communities including Dover Plains, a hamlet in the northern part of the town on Route 22.

The Metro-North Railroad has a Harlem Line station there, transporting commuters to New York City.

According to the town’s website, no visit would be complete “without a visit to the Dover Stone Church in Dover Plains.”  The Stone Church is an ancient cavern on the Stone Church Brook in Dover Plains.  “According to local legend, the site was a refuge for Pequot Sachem Sassacus, a Native American chieftain, and his warriors as they fled from the English Army in the 1600s,” it notes. “In the 1800 and early 1900s, the Stone Church was a popular local attraction for New York City dwellers to visit and enjoy the recuperative fresh air and beauty of upstate New York.” The Stone Church, now held and maintained by the Dutchess Land Conservancy, was a subject for Hudson River School painter Asher Durand.