Exploring Dover's Rich Colonial Past: A Journey Through New Hampshire History

My exploration began at the Woodman Institute Museum, a remarkable collection housed in three historic buildings dating back to the late 1700s. As someone who typically catalogs biodiversity, I found myself equally captivated by the diversity of historical artifacts spanning four centuries of American life.

The 1675 William Damm Garrison House particularly caught my attention—one of the oldest intact garrison houses in New Hampshire, moved to this location and preserved as a testament to early colonial defensive architecture. Standing inside its timber frame, I could almost feel the tension of those early settler days, when relationships with the indigenous Abenaki people deteriorated into conflict.

As a person with indigenous heritage myself, I always approach these colonial narratives with a certain perspective that acknowledges multiple sides of history. The museum does make efforts to include indigenous perspectives, though like many historical institutions, there's always room for more comprehensive representation.

I spent nearly three hours exploring the collections, taking detailed notes in my weatherproof notebook which has accompanied me from rainforest field stations to historical sites like this—proving equally valuable in New Hampshire's autumn drizzle as in tropical downpours.

Any conservation scientist will tell you that human settlements are inextricably linked to natural resources, and Dover exemplifies this relationship perfectly. The 88-foot-wide Cochecho Falls provided the hydraulic power that transformed Dover from a small settlement into a manufacturing hub in the 19th century.

I spent a contemplative hour at these falls, observing how the water's flow has been engineered and modified over centuries while still maintaining its essential character. The surrounding mills—now repurposed into apartments and businesses—tell the story of how natural resources shape economic development.

This intersection of natural and cultural history is particularly evident in autumn, when the fall foliage creates a spectacular backdrop for the historic brick buildings. I captured some stunning photographs using my polarizing filter which helped manage reflections on the water while enhancing the vibrant fall colors.

As I sat sketching the falls, several locals stopped to share stories about the river's history—from its indigenous name (Cochecho means 'rapid foaming water') to tales of historic floods that shaped the town's development. These informal exchanges often provide insights no guidebook can offer.

The First Parish Church stands as Dover's spiritual and historical anchor, with the congregation dating back to 1633—making it one of the oldest continuous religious communities in the United States. The current building, constructed in 1829, represents the seventh meeting house on the site.

As someone who studies how ecosystems evolve over time, I find architectural evolution equally fascinating. The Federal-style brick building with its impressive spire demonstrates how colonial architectural traditions adapted and formalized over generations. Inside, the church's historical archives contain documents dating back nearly four centuries, including records of early interactions between colonists and indigenous peoples.

During my visit, I was fortunate to encounter the church historian who shared fascinating details about the building's construction and the community's evolution. The adjacent cemetery contains graves dating to the 1700s, with weathered headstones telling stories of epidemics, wars, and the ordinary lives that built this community.

For those interested in genealogical research or colonial history, I recommend bringing a portable scanner to capture images of historical documents (with permission, of course). This tool has been invaluable in my own research, allowing me to document both biological specimens and historical records without damaging fragile materials.

As both a scientist and a person with indigenous heritage, I'm always conscious of the stories that traditional historical narratives might overlook. Dover's colonial history is inseparable from the displacement of the Pennacook and Abenaki peoples who inhabited this region for thousands of years before European settlement.

While Dover doesn't have a dedicated indigenous history museum, traces of this heritage can be found throughout the area. The Cochecho River itself bears an Abenaki name, and several historical markers acknowledge the complex—and often violent—relationship between settlers and indigenous communities.

I spent part of my afternoon following the Heritage Walking Trail, which includes 28 markers throughout downtown Dover. Some reference the indigenous history, including sites of early trading posts and the devastating 1689 Cochecho Massacre, when Pennacook warriors attacked the settlement in retaliation for earlier betrayals.

For those wanting to delve deeper into the indigenous history of the region, I recommend picking up local history book which, though focused on Vermont, provides essential context for understanding indigenous experiences throughout northern New England. I also found that the regional field guide offers valuable insights into the natural resources that sustained both indigenous communities and later colonial settlements.

After a day of historical exploration, Dover offers several atmospheric dining options housed in repurposed historic buildings. I found myself drawn to Stages at One Washington, located in a beautifully renovated mill building that once hummed with industrial activity powered by the Cochecho Falls.

The restaurant's farm-to-table philosophy resonated with my conservation values, and I appreciated their commitment to locally-sourced ingredients. The exposed brick walls and original wooden beams created a perfect ambiance for reflecting on Dover's layered history while enjoying contemporary New England cuisine.

For a more casual experience, I recommend Thirsty Moose Taphouse in another historic building downtown, offering an extensive selection of local craft beers. As someone who appreciates the scientific artistry behind brewing, I enjoyed sampling flights of New Hampshire's craft beer offerings while chatting with locals about the town's history.

During my visit, temperatures dropped unexpectedly in the evening, and I was grateful for my insulated travel mug which kept my tea perfectly hot during evening walks around the historic district. For those visiting in fall, layered clothing is essential as New England weather can change rapidly, particularly near the river.