Blackwell Street Historic District

Blackwell Street Historic District is a historic district in Dover with 52 architecturally significant buildings spread across nine streets. The collection includes shops, banks, theaters, churches, and public buildings that form the commercial center and heart of the city.

The district's foundation dates to 1817, when Joseph Blackwell and Henry McFarlan received land after the War of 1812 and began developing central Dover. Over the 1800s, the area transformed into a thriving center with diverse architectural character.

Three stone churches built in the 1870s anchor the district and reflect the religious life of the growing community. These buildings show how faith shaped the city's character and remains visible in its streetscape today.

The district is easy to walk through and functions as a central commercial hub with good accessibility. Visitors can move through the streets at their own pace, with most buildings visible and accessible from the outside.

The Stone Academy, built in 1829 on East Dickerson Street, was the first public building dedicated to religious services and education in the city. This structure shows how early community spaces served both spiritual and educational purposes at once.