Dover is a town in Dutchess County, New York. The town was named after Dover in England, the home town of an early settler. The Town of Dover serves the Dover Plains and Wingdale communities and is located on the eastern boundary of the county.

In 1637 the Pequots having been driven from their former homes in Connecticut settled in what is now Dover. They were led by Gideon Mauwee for part of their time in this location.

The town was formed in 1807 from part of the Town of Pawling. In the home of John Preston, an early settler. The home of John Preston circa 1730 is now an Inn and restaurant known as Old Drovers Inn.

The Harlem Valley Psychaciatric Center (?-1994) was a major source of employment for Wingdale and the surrounding areas. When the Center was closed in 1994, many businesses in the area were hit hard. The brick & marble building on the grounds still stand, but many delpadated and in need to be torn down. The property and building were purchased in the early 2000's and there has been an on going battle with the town to stop development..