Visited Dover, NH PART 1: The Cocheco River's "Darkest Day"

 Earlier this month we drove to downtown Dover, New Hampshire with our friend Jeff to explore the historic downtown and learned of an historic flood that happened there in 1896.

(Photo: L to R: Rob, Jeff, Tom) 

WHAT WAS "DOVER'S BLACK DAY"? - An early March rainstorm, paired with snowmelt, caused a 12-hour flash flood and fire in 1896. The event is known as 'Dover's Black Day' and 'Calamity on the Cocheco.' Huge chunks of ice rushed down the river and banked up against the dam on the Cocheco River, which runs right through downtown Dover.

(Photo: Historic sign explaining the extreme damage and flooding in downtown Dover, NH from 1896. Credit: R.G.) 

 Heavy rains on March 1, 1896 caused the Cochecho River to rise 10 feet above its normal level and carried large broken chunks of ice downstream that took down 3 bridges and caused damage to buildings.   

(Photo: The Cocheco River today, Feb 4, 2024. Credit: R.G.) 

Today, there are new buildings that line the Cocheco River, and there's even a small park along part of its banks, accessible from the main street of downtown Dover. 

ABOUT THE COCHECO RIVER - The Cocheco River flows 34.8 miles from the headwaters in Milton, Farmington, Middleton, and New Durham. It meanders through Rochester, cascades down the Central Falls Dam in downtown Dover, and becomes tidal before meeting the Salmon Falls River at the Maine border.

DOWNTOWN DOVER - It's a very walkable town, and there are lots of little shops, including antiques, jewelry, and gifts. There are also quite a number of restaurants. 

(Photo: Sidewalk of Downtown Dover, NH. Credit: R.G.)