7 Historic Towns In New Hampshire That Will Transport You To The Past
By Michelle|Published April 28, 2021
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
New Hampshire was founded on January 5, 1776 which means the state offers almost 250 years of history. Within that time there have been some good times and bad times. All of it is important to remember. While we might not have been paying full attention in history classes growing up, today we can see a lot of the past reflected in towns across the state. These are just a few and each one is worth visiting!
Incorporated in 1829, this "old" town is one of the newest on this list. It was one of the first important logging communities and it was also one of the first towns to offer more convenient access to the White Mountains. The town saw a huge economic increase when immigrants came to work in the logging industry, a job that many people found too hard to fathom.
Many of the earliest New Hampshire towns can be found on the coast, but Londonderry was among the first to be settled further inland. It got its start in 1719 by farmers hailing from northern Ireland. Potato-lovers (are there any of you out there?!) will appreciate that this town was where the first potato ever grown in North America ever poked out of the soil!
There were people living in New Hampshire long before settlers arrived and it's important to remember that we're on their land today. Rye is the location of the first European settlement in the state dating back to 1623. This is when English traders and fisherman created the village at Odiorne Point. You can still visit today and it's one of the most lovely waterfront places to visit. In fact, you can learn more about it here!
Settled back in the 1600s, Portsmouth is one of the first four original New Hampshire towns. It quickly became the most important, offering fish and wood along with European goods.
Today this town is known as a go-to for summer fun it was once a prominent farming town. The town was first called Winnicunnet by the local people who first lived here. It means "pleasant pines" and we feel that today. In fact, you might still hear the name used locally.
Exeter got its start all the way back in 1638 which means it's one of the oldest towns in the entire country. While it was known as a port town back then it ultimately became known for manufacturing. After the Civil War most manufacturing companies moved to the south, but the Exeter Manufacturing Company was thriving enough to stay.
Dover made a name for itself as one of the first four town in the state where it excelled in both fishing and trade. These things slowed in the 1800s, but Dover continued to matter when it became a manufacturing hub.
What are some of your favorite historic towns in New Hampshire? Are there any must-see and do activities in the ones we’ve listed here? Let us know in the comments!
