Book excerpt: When Dover was settled in 1722, the only inhabitants of this northern New Jersey wilderness were Native Americans. The early iron forges along the mighty Rockaway River were soon developed, followed by the Morris Canal; it was, however, the coming of the railroad in 1848 that truly transformed the small village. Two hundred and seventy-five years later, Dover is still evolving. In Dover, the towns colorful and diverse past is chronicled through over 200 vintage, many neverbefore-seen photographs, including images of the historic Morris Canal, the majestic churches, theaters, schools, factories, and downtown businesses. See how Blackwell Street looked 100 years ago, and look at sights long gone, such as the Dover speedway, the trolleys, and early automobiles. Most importantly, see the faces of Dovers people, both past and present, that have enriched and molded its past.