Dover was established in 1805 when a commission was appointed to establish a county seat for Stewart County. It is possible that the name comes from the white cliffs along the Cumberland River which may have reminded the English commissioners of the town of Dover, England. The first courthouse was log one-story building erected in 1806. A second brick courthouse was commissioned in 1823, but was burnt by Federal troups in 1862. Prior to the burning, Federal troops allowed all records to be removed and hidden in a cave for safe keeping. The third courthouse was erected in the town square in 1870, and stood until 1965 when it was replaced by a more modern building. The town is now a major stopover for people enjoying the LBL area, and visiting Fort Donelson National Park.