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Coordinates: 42°58′33″N 71°41′30″W / 42.97583°N 71.69167°W / 42.97583; -71.69167
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{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = New Boston, New Hampshire
|official_name = New Boston, New Hampshire
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|subdivision_name2 = [[Hillsborough County, New Hampshire|Hillsborough]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Hillsborough County, New Hampshire|Hillsborough]]
|government_type =
|government_type =
|leader_title = [[Board of Selectmen]]
|leader_title = [[Select Board]]
|leader_name = Joe Constance, Chair<br>Christine Quirk<br>Karen Scott
|leader_name = {{ubl|William McFadden, Chair|Kary Jencks|Joe Constance}}
|leader_title1 = Town Administrator
|leader_title1 = Town Administrator
|leader_name1 = Peter Flynn
|leader_name1 =
|established_title = [[Incorporation (municipal government)|Incorporated]]
|established_title = [[Incorporation (municipal government)|Incorporated]]
|established_date = 1763
|established_date = 1763
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2021">{{cite web |title=2021 U.S. Gazetteer Files – New Hampshire |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2021_Gazetteer/2021_gaz_cousubs_33.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=December 9, 2021}}</ref>
|area_magnitude = 1 E8
|area_total_km2 = 111.9
|area_total_km2 = 111.9
|area_total_sq_mi = 43.2
|area_total_sq_mi =
|area_land_km2 = 111.0
|area_land_km2 = 110.9
|area_land_sq_mi = 42.8
|area_land_sq_mi =
|area_water_km2 = 1.0
|area_water_km2 = 1.0
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.4
|area_water_sq_mi =
|area_water_percent = 0.66
|area_water_percent = 0.92
|population_as_of = 2010
|population_as_of = 2020
|population_footnotes = <ref name="Census 2020">{{Cite web| url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=&g=0600000US3301150740&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P1| title=New Boston town, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| access-date=December 9, 2021}}</ref>
|population_note =
|population_total = 5321
|population_total = 6108
|population_density_km2 =
|population_density_km2 = 55.1
|population_density_sq_mi = auto
|population_density_sq_mi =
|timezone = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|Eastern]]
|timezone = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|Eastern]]
|utc_offset = -5
|utc_offset = -5
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|utc_offset_DST = -4
|utc_offset_DST = -4
|coordinates = {{coord|42|58|33|N|71|41|30|W|region:US-NH|display=inline,title}}
|coordinates = {{coord|42|58|33|N|71|41|30|W|region:US-NH|display=inline,title}}
|elevation_m = 128
|elevation_m =
|elevation_ft = 420
|elevation_ft = 420
|website = {{URL|www.newbostonnh.gov}}
|website = {{URL|www.newbostonnh.gov}}
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}}
}}


'''New Boston''' is a town in [[Hillsborough County, New Hampshire|Hillsborough County]], [[New Hampshire]], United States. The population was 5,321 at the 2010 census.<ref>United States Census Bureau, [https://archive.today/20200212221153/http://factfinder.census.gov/main.html American FactFinder], 2010 Census figures. Retrieved March 23, 2011.</ref> New Boston is home to the annual Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair and the Molly Stark Cannon.
'''New Boston''' is a [[New England town|town]] in [[Hillsborough County, New Hampshire|Hillsborough County]], [[New Hampshire]], United States. The population was 6,108 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]],<ref name="Census 2020"/> up from 5,321 at the 2010 census.<ref>United States Census Bureau, [https://www.census.gov U.S. Census website], 2010 Census figures. Retrieved March 23, 2011.</ref> New Boston is home to the annual Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair and the Molly Stark Cannon. The 1743 cannon, which appears on the town seal, was given by General [[John Stark]] to the New Boston Artillery Company after the [[Battle of Bennington]].<ref>[http://www.newbostonhistoricalsociety.com/cannon.html New Boston Historical Society "The Molly Stark Cannon"]</ref>

The town's central village is listed as the [[New Boston (CDP), New Hampshire|New Boston census-designated place]], with a population in 2020 of 326.


== History ==
== History ==
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2012}}
⚫
The town was first granted in 1736 by [[Colony|colonial]] governor [[Jonathan Belcher]] of [[Province of Massachusetts Bay|Massachusetts]] and [[Province of New Hampshire|New Hampshire]]. At the time, lands to the west of the [[Merrimack River]], disputed between the two provinces, were treated by Belcher as part of Massachusetts, and he granted the town to several [[Boston]] families. It was to have been called Lanestown or Piscataquog Township, but by 1751 they called it New Boston after their hometown. Not all the grantees took up their claims, and the land was regranted 10 years later to settlers from [[Londonderry, New Hampshire|Londonderry]]. When the town was incorporated in 1763, Governor [[Benning Wentworth]] formally recognized the long-used name of New Boston.<ref>{{cite book|last=Cogswell|first=Elliott Colby|title=History of New Boston, New Hampshire|year=1864|publisher=Press of G. C. Rand & Avery|location=Boston|url=https://archive.org/details/historynewbosto00cogsgoog}}</ref>


⚫
The town was first granted in 1736 by [[British North America|colonial]] governor [[Jonathan Belcher]] of [[Province of Massachusetts Bay|Massachusetts]] and [[Province of New Hampshire|New Hampshire]]. At the time, lands to the west of the [[Merrimack River]], disputed between the two provinces, were treated by Belcher as part of Massachusetts, and he granted the town to several [[Boston]] families. It was to have been called "Lanestown" or "Piscataquog Township", but by 1751 they called it "New Boston" after their hometown. Not all the grantees took up their claims, and the land was regranted 10 years later to settlers from [[Londonderry, New Hampshire]]. When the town was incorporated in 1763, Governor [[Benning Wentworth]] formally recognized the long-used name of "New Boston".<ref>{{cite book |last=Cogswell |first=Elliott Colby |title=History of New Boston, New Hampshire |year=1864 |publisher=Press of G. C. Rand & Avery |location=Boston |url=https://archive.org/details/historynewbosto00cogsgoog}}</ref>
⚫
In 1820, the town had 25 [[sawmill]]s, six [[gristmill|grain mills]], two clothing mills, two [[carding]] mills, two [[Tanning (leather)|tanneries]] and a [[bark mill]]. It also had 14 schoolhouses and a [[tavern]]. The Great Village Fire of 1887, which started when a spark from a [[cooper (profession)|cooper's]] shop set a barn on fire, destroyed nearly 40 buildings in the lower village. In 1893, the [[railroad]] came to New Boston, and farm produce was sent by rail to city markets.<ref name=Coolidge>{{Cite book | last = Coolidge | first = Austin J.|author2=John B. Mansfield | title = A History and Description of New England| year = 1859| location = Boston, Massachusetts| pages = 593| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=OcoMAAAAYAAJ&lpg=PA9&dq=coolidge%20mansfield%20history%20description%20new%20england%201859&pg=PA593#v=onepage&q=&f=false}}</ref> The train line was abandoned in the mid-1970s, and the former rail bed is today a walking path.

⚫
In 1820, the town had 25 [[sawmill]]s, six [[gristmill|grain mills]], two clothing mills, two [[carding]] mills, two [[Tanning (leather)|tanneries]] and a [[bark mill]]. It also had 14 schoolhouses and a [[tavern]]. The Great Village Fire of 1887, which started when a spark from a [[cooper (profession)|cooper's]] shop set a barn on fire, destroyed nearly 40 buildings in the lower village. In 1893, the [[railroad]] came to New Boston, and farm produce was sent by rail to city markets.<ref name=Coolidge>{{Cite book| last = Coolidge| first = Austin J.| author2=John B. Mansfield| title = A History and Description of New England| publisher = A.J. Coolidge| year = 1859| location = Boston, Massachusetts| pages = [https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_OcoMAAAAYAAJ/page/n635 593]| url = https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_OcoMAAAAYAAJ}}</ref> Passenger service was discontinued in 1931, and the tracks were removed in 1935. Today the former grade is the multi-use New Boston Rail Trail.


The town is home to the {{convert|2800|acre|adj=on}} [[New Boston Air Force Station]], which started as an [[United States Army Air Corps|Army Air Corps]] bombing range in 1942. By 1960, it had become a [[U.S. Air Force]] base for tracking military [[satellite]]s. New Boston was also home to the [[Gravity Research Foundation]] from the late 1940s through the mid-1960s. Founder [[Roger Babson]] placed it in New Boston because he believed it safe from nuclear fallout should New York or Boston be attacked.
The town is home to the {{convert|2800|acre|adj=on}} [[New Boston Space Force Station]], which started as an [[United States Army Air Corps|Army Air Corps]] bombing range in 1942. By 1960, it had become a [[U.S. Air Force]] base for tracking military [[satellite]]s. In July 2021, the facility was given its current name and began operating as part of the [[United States Space Force]]. New Boston was also home to the [[Gravity Research Foundation]] from the late 1940s through the mid-1960s. Founder [[Roger Babson]] placed it in New Boston because he believed it safe from nuclear fallout should New York or Boston be attacked.


Dodge's Store, in the center of town, was established in 1872 and was owned and operated by five generations of the Dodge family until 1994. Clarence H. Dodge started the family business, and ownership remained in the Dodge family until Malcom J. Dodge sold the business in 1994 due to a downturn in the economy. The store closed on August 29, 2011, due to the owner's financial problems, but has since been reopened under new ownership.<ref>[http://www.cabinet.com/cabinetcabinetnews/931210-308/town-tradition-comes-to-an-end.html Cabinet.com "Town tradition comes to an end"]</ref>
Dodge's Store, in the center of town, was established in 1872 and was owned and operated by five generations of the Dodge family until 1994. Clarence H. Dodge started the family business, and ownership remained in the Dodge family until Malcom J. Dodge sold the business in 1994 due to a downturn in the economy. The store closed on August 29, 2011, due to the owner's financial problems, but has since been reopened under new ownership.<ref>[http://www.cabinet.com/cabinetcabinetnews/931210-308/town-tradition-comes-to-an-end.html Cabinet.com "Town tradition comes to an end"]</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|43.2|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|42.8|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{convert|0.4|sqmi|km2}} is water, comprising 0.88% of the town. New Boston is drained by the [[South Branch Piscataquog River]]. Joe English Hill, elevation {{convert|1285|ft|m}} above [[sea level]] and the highest point in the town, is in the south. The town is crossed by state routes [[New Hampshire Route 13|13]], [[New Hampshire Route 77|77]], and [[New Hampshire Route 136|136]].
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|111.9|sqkm|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|110.9|sqkm|order=flip}} are land and {{convert|1.0|sqkm|order=flip}} are water, comprising 0.92% of the town.<ref name="CenPopGazetteer2021"/> New Boston is drained by the [[South Branch Piscataquog River|South Branch]] and [[Middle Branch Piscataquog River|Middle Branch]] of the [[Piscataquog River]], except for the town's southeastern corner, which is drained by Joe English Brook, a tributary of [[Baboosic Brook]]. The entire town is part of the [[Merrimack River]] watershed. Joe English Hill, elevation {{convert|1285|ft|m}} above [[sea level]] and the highest point in the town, is in the south.

The town is crossed by state routes [[New Hampshire Route 13|13]], [[New Hampshire Route 77|77]], and [[New Hampshire Route 136|136]]. The three state highways meet in the center of the town at [[New Boston (CDP), New Hampshire|New Boston village]]. [[Klondike Corner, New Hampshire|Klondike Corner]] is a low-density residential area in the southeastern part of the town.


=== Adjacent municipalities ===
=== Adjacent municipalities ===
* [[Weare, New Hampshire]] (north)
* [[Weare, New Hampshire|Weare]] (north)
* [[Goffstown, New Hampshire]] (east)
* [[Goffstown, New Hampshire|Goffstown]] (east)
* [[Bedford, New Hampshire]] (southeast)
* [[Bedford, New Hampshire|Bedford]] (southeast)
* [[Amherst, New Hampshire]] (southeast)
* [[Amherst, New Hampshire|Amherst]] (southeast)
* [[Mont Vernon, New Hampshire]] (south)
* [[Mont Vernon, New Hampshire|Mont Vernon]] (south)
* [[Lyndeborough, New Hampshire]] (southwest)
* [[Lyndeborough, New Hampshire|Lyndeborough]] (southwest)
* [[Francestown, New Hampshire]] (west)
* [[Francestown, New Hampshire|Francestown]] (west)


==Demographics==
==Demographics==

{{US Census population
{{US Census population
|1790= 1202
|1790= 1202
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|2000= 4138
|2000= 4138
|2010= 5321
|2010= 5321
|2020= 6108
|estyear=2017
|estyear=
|estimate=5658
|estimate=
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2017">{{cite web|url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2017/PEPANNRES/0400000US33.06100|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 (PEPANNRES): Minor Civil Divisions – New Hampshire|accessdate=November 15, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213183945/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2017/PEPANNRES/0400000US33.06100|archive-date=February 13, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|estref=
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|accessdate=June 4, 2016}}</ref>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="CenPopGazetteer2021"/><ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2016}}</ref>
}}
}}
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212221153/http://factfinder.census.gov/main.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-02-12|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2008-01-31|title=American FactFinder}}</ref> of 2000, there were 4,138 people, 1,434 households, and 1,162 families residing in the town. The [[population density]] was 96.6 people per square mile (37.3/km²). There were 1,462 housing units at an average density of 34.1 per square mile (13.2/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 98.02% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.36% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.10% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.36% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.31% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.85% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.63% of the population.
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 4,138 people, 1,434 households, and 1,162 families residing in the town. The population density was {{convert|96.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 1,462 housing units at an average density of {{convert|34.1|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the town was 98.02% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.36% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.10% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.36% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.31% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.85% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 0.63% of the population.


There were 1,434 households out of which 44.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.3% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.9% were non-families. 12.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 2.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.15.
There were 1,434 households, out of which 44.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.3% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.9% were non-families. 12.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.15.


In the town, the population was spread out with 30.4% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 33.5% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 5.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.6 males.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 30.4% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 33.5% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 5.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.6 males.


The median income for a household in the town was $66,020, and the median income for a family was $69,458. Males had a median income of $47,173 versus $32,417 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $26,488. About 3.1% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 5.7% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.
The median income for a household in the town was $66,020, and the median income for a family was $69,458. Males had a median income of $47,173 versus $32,417 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $26,488. About 3.1% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 5.7% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.


<gallery>
<gallery>
File:New Boston Village, N.H, by S. A. Putnam.jpg|New Boston c. 1875
File:New Boston Village, N.H, by S. A. Putnam.jpg|New Boston {{circa|1875}}
File:The Tavern, New Boston, NH.jpg|The Tavern c. 1905
File:The Tavern, New Boston, NH.jpg|The Tavern {{circa|1905}}
File:The Creamery, New Boston, NH.jpg|The Creamery c. 1912
File:The Creamery, New Boston, NH.jpg|The Creamery {{circa|1912}}
File:Railroad Station, New Boston, NH.jpg|Depot c. 1905
File:Railroad Station, New Boston, NH.jpg|Depot {{circa|1905}}
File:River Road in New Boston, NH.jpg|River Road c. 1912
File:River Road in New Boston, NH.jpg|River Road {{circa|1912}}
File:New Boston, New Hampshire.jpg|Some Victorian architecture
File:New Boston, New Hampshire.jpg|Some Victorian architecture
</gallery>
</gallery>
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==Politics==
==Politics==
New Boston is part of [[New Hampshire's 2nd congressional district]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.govtrack.us/congress/findyourreps.xpd?state=NH |title=New Hampshire’s Representatives - Congressional District Maps (NH) |publisher=GovTrack.us |date=1999-02-22 |accessdate=2011-04-16}}</ref> represented by Democrat [[Ann McLane Kuster]]. New Boston's town administrator is Peter Flynn as of September 2011.
New Boston is part of [[New Hampshire's 2nd congressional district]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.govtrack.us/congress/findyourreps.xpd?state=NH |title=New Hampshire’s Representatives - Congressional District Maps (NH) |publisher=GovTrack.us |date=February 22, 1999 |access-date=April 16, 2011}}</ref> represented by Democrat [[Ann McLane Kuster]].
New Boston is served by [[New Hampshire's 9th State Senate District]].


== Culture ==
== Culture ==
New Boston's [[fair]]grounds are host to several events each year, including the Hillsborough County Fair, which usually takes place in September. The fair helps to preserve the agricultural roots of the area, and families can enjoy rides, exhibits, and the famous tractor pull.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair {{!}} September 11th – 13th, 2015|url = http://hcafair.com/|website = hcafair.com|accessdate = 2015-10-14}}</ref>
New Boston's [[fair]]grounds are host to several events each year, including the Hillsborough County Fair, which usually takes place in September. The fair helps to preserve the agricultural roots of the area, and families can enjoy rides, exhibits, and the famous tractor pull.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair {{!}} September 11–13, 2015|url = http://hcafair.com/|website = hcafair.com|access-date = October 14, 2015}}</ref>


The [[Fourth of July]] celebration is one of the larger productions in the area, starting with a parade featuring an assortment of floats created by locals, marching bands, and emergency vehicles, winding through the center of town and ending at the fairgrounds. The annual firing of the [[Molly Stark]] cannon also takes place.
The [[Fourth of July]] celebration is one of the larger productions in the area, starting with a parade featuring an assortment of floats created by locals, marching bands, and emergency vehicles, winding through the center of town and ending at the fairgrounds. The annual firing of the [[Molly Stark]] cannon also takes place.


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
*[[William A. Crombie]], [[list of mayors of Burlington, Vermont|mayor of Burlington, Vermont]]<ref>{{cite book |last=Dodge |first=Prentiss Cutler |date=1912 |title=Encyclopedia Vermont Biography |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=umn.31951002383443f&view=2up&seq=182&size=150 |location=Burlington, VT |publisher=Ullery Publishing Company |page=157 |via=[[HathiTrust]] |ref={{sfnRef|''Encyclopedia Vermont Biography''}}}}</ref>
*[[William A. Crombie]] (1844–1914), [[list of mayors of Burlington, Vermont|mayor of Burlington, Vermont]]<ref>{{cite book |last=Dodge |first=Prentiss Cutler |date=1912 |title=Encyclopedia Vermont Biography |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=umn.31951002383443f&view=2up&seq=182&size=150 |location=Burlington, VT |publisher=Ullery Publishing Company |page=157 |via=[[HathiTrust]] |ref={{sfnRef|''Encyclopedia Vermont Biography''}}}}</ref>
*[[Horton Foote]], playwright and screenwriter<ref>{{cite book |last=Watson |first=Charles S. |date=2003 |title=Horton Foote: A Literary Biography |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hYZdAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA155 |location=Austin, TX |publisher=University of Texas Press |page=155 |isbn=978-0-2927-9160-2}}</ref>
*[[Horton Foote]] (1916–2009), playwright, screenwriter<ref>{{cite book |last=Watson |first=Charles S. |date=2003 |title=Horton Foote: A Literary Biography |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hYZdAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA155 |location=Austin, TX |publisher=University of Texas Press |page=155 |isbn=978-0-2927-9160-2}}</ref>
*[[Dean Potter]] (1972–2015), rock climber<ref>{{cite web |last=Reid |first=Nick |date=2015 |title=While others kept their feet on the ground, N.H.-born, world-class climber always pushed the envelope |url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/Archive/2015/05/potter-cm-051915}}</ref>
*[[Joseph Reed Whipple]] (1842-1912), Boston hotelier and proprietor of the Valley View Farm in New Boston<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=GDIwAAAAYAAJ About the farm]: an illustrated description of the New Boston Dairy and other industries at Valley View, Muzzey, and Hutchinson farms, which are a part of the supply department of [[Young's Hotel (Boston)|Young's Hotel]], Parker House, and Hotel Touraine. Boston: Printed for J. R. Whipple Company, 1910</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{portal|New Hampshire}}
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|New Boston, New Hampshire}}
{{commons category|New Boston, New Hampshire}}
* [http://www.newbostonnh.gov Town of New Boston official website]
* {{Official website|www.newbostonnh.gov}}
* [http://whipplefreelibrary.org/ Whipple Free Library]
* [http://whipplefreelibrary.org/ Whipple Free Library]
* [http://newbostonhistoricalsociety.com/ New Boston Historical Society]
* [http://newbostonhistoricalsociety.com/ New Boston Historical Society]
* [http://www.smithfamilypages.org New Boston's First Settler, Thomas Smith]
* [http://www.smithfamilypages.org New Boston's First Settler, Thomas Smith]
* [http://www.hcafair.com/ Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair]
* [https://www.hcafair.org/ Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair]
* [http://www.nhes.nh.gov/elmi/products/cp/profiles-htm/newboston.htm New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau Profile]
* [https://www.nhes.nh.gov/elmi/products/cp/profiles-htm/newboston.htm New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau Profile]


{{Geographic location
{{Geographic location

Latest revision as of 03:16, 12 October 2024

New Boston, New Hampshire
Town
Town Hall
Town Hall
Official seal of New Boston, New Hampshire
Seal
Nickname: 
Gravity Center of the World
Location in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire
Location in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire
Coordinates: 42°58′33″N 71°41′30″W / 42.97583°N 71.69167°W / 42.97583; -71.69167
CountryUnited States
StateNew Hampshire
CountyHillsborough
Incorporated1763
Government
 • Select Board
  • William McFadden, Chair
  • Kary Jencks
  • Joe Constance
Area
[1]
 • Total
43.2 sq mi (111.9 km2)
 • Land42.8 sq mi (110.9 km2)
 • Water0.4 sq mi (1.0 km2)  0.92%
Elevation
420 ft (130 m)
Population
 (2020)[2]
 • Total
6,108
 • Density143/sq mi (55.1/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (Eastern)
ZIP code
03070
Area code603
FIPS code33-50740
GNIS feature ID0873674
Websitewww.newbostonnh.gov

New Boston is a town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 6,108 at the 2020 census,[2] up from 5,321 at the 2010 census.[3] New Boston is home to the annual Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair and the Molly Stark Cannon. The 1743 cannon, which appears on the town seal, was given by General John Stark to the New Boston Artillery Company after the Battle of Bennington.[4]

The town's central village is listed as the New Boston census-designated place, with a population in 2020 of 326.

History

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The town was first granted in 1736 by colonial governor Jonathan Belcher of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. At the time, lands to the west of the Merrimack River, disputed between the two provinces, were treated by Belcher as part of Massachusetts, and he granted the town to several Boston families. It was to have been called "Lanestown" or "Piscataquog Township", but by 1751 they called it "New Boston" after their hometown. Not all the grantees took up their claims, and the land was regranted 10 years later to settlers from Londonderry, New Hampshire. When the town was incorporated in 1763, Governor Benning Wentworth formally recognized the long-used name of "New Boston".[5]

In 1820, the town had 25 sawmills, six grain mills, two clothing mills, two carding mills, two tanneries and a bark mill. It also had 14 schoolhouses and a tavern. The Great Village Fire of 1887, which started when a spark from a cooper's shop set a barn on fire, destroyed nearly 40 buildings in the lower village. In 1893, the railroad came to New Boston, and farm produce was sent by rail to city markets.[6] Passenger service was discontinued in 1931, and the tracks were removed in 1935. Today the former grade is the multi-use New Boston Rail Trail.

The town is home to the 2,800-acre (1,100 ha) New Boston Space Force Station, which started as an Army Air Corps bombing range in 1942. By 1960, it had become a U.S. Air Force base for tracking military satellites. In July 2021, the facility was given its current name and began operating as part of the United States Space Force. New Boston was also home to the Gravity Research Foundation from the late 1940s through the mid-1960s. Founder Roger Babson placed it in New Boston because he believed it safe from nuclear fallout should New York or Boston be attacked.

Dodge's Store, in the center of town, was established in 1872 and was owned and operated by five generations of the Dodge family until 1994. Clarence H. Dodge started the family business, and ownership remained in the Dodge family until Malcom J. Dodge sold the business in 1994 due to a downturn in the economy. The store closed on August 29, 2011, due to the owner's financial problems, but has since been reopened under new ownership.[7]

Geography

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According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 43.2 square miles (111.9 km2), of which 42.8 square miles (110.9 km2) are land and 0.39 square miles (1.0 km2) are water, comprising 0.92% of the town.[1] New Boston is drained by the South Branch and Middle Branch of the Piscataquog River, except for the town's southeastern corner, which is drained by Joe English Brook, a tributary of Baboosic Brook. The entire town is part of the Merrimack River watershed. Joe English Hill, elevation 1,285 feet (392 m) above sea level and the highest point in the town, is in the south.

The town is crossed by state routes 13, 77, and 136. The three state highways meet in the center of the town at New Boston village. Klondike Corner is a low-density residential area in the southeastern part of the town.

Adjacent municipalities

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
17901,202—
18001,49124.0%
18101,6198.6%
18201,6864.1%
18301,680−0.4%
18401,570−6.5%
18501,477−5.9%
18601,369−7.3%
18701,241−9.3%
18801,144−7.8%
18901,067−6.7%
19001,002−6.1%
1910982−2.0%
1920768−21.8%
1930693−9.8%
194077311.5%
195086511.9%
19609256.9%
19701,39050.3%
19801,92838.7%
19903,21466.7%
20004,13828.7%
20105,32128.6%
20206,10814.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[1][8]

As of the census[9] of 2000, there were 4,138 people, 1,434 households, and 1,162 families residing in the town. The population density was 96.6 inhabitants per square mile (37.3/km2). There were 1,462 housing units at an average density of 34.1 per square mile (13.2/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.02% White, 0.36% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.31% from other races, and 0.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.63% of the population.

There were 1,434 households, out of which 44.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.3% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.9% were non-families. 12.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 30.4% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 33.5% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 5.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $66,020, and the median income for a family was $69,458. Males had a median income of $47,173 versus $32,417 for females. The per capita income for the town was $26,488. About 3.1% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.7% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

  • New Boston c. 1875
    New Boston c. 1875
  • The Tavern c. 1905
    The Tavern c. 1905
  • The Creamery c. 1912
    The Creamery c. 1912
  • Depot c. 1905
    Depot c. 1905
  • River Road c. 1912
    River Road c. 1912
  • Some Victorian architecture
    Some Victorian architecture

Education

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New Boston is part of School Administrative Unit 19, along with Goffstown. New Boston Central School provides public elementary school through grade six for town residents. Students subsequently attend Mountain View Middle School in Goffstown through eighth grade, followed by Goffstown High School.

Politics

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New Boston is part of New Hampshire's 2nd congressional district,[10] represented by Democrat Ann McLane Kuster.

New Boston is served by New Hampshire's 9th State Senate District.

Culture

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New Boston's fairgrounds are host to several events each year, including the Hillsborough County Fair, which usually takes place in September. The fair helps to preserve the agricultural roots of the area, and families can enjoy rides, exhibits, and the famous tractor pull.[11]

The Fourth of July celebration is one of the larger productions in the area, starting with a parade featuring an assortment of floats created by locals, marching bands, and emergency vehicles, winding through the center of town and ending at the fairgrounds. The annual firing of the Molly Stark cannon also takes place.

Notable people

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "2021 U.S. Gazetteer Files – New Hampshire". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "New Boston town, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  3. ^ United States Census Bureau, U.S. Census website, 2010 Census figures. Retrieved March 23, 2011.
  4. ^ New Boston Historical Society "The Molly Stark Cannon"
  5. ^ Cogswell, Elliott Colby (1864). History of New Boston, New Hampshire. Boston: Press of G. C. Rand & Avery.
  6. ^ Coolidge, Austin J.; John B. Mansfield (1859). A History and Description of New England. Boston, Massachusetts: A.J. Coolidge. pp. 593.
  7. ^ Cabinet.com "Town tradition comes to an end"
  8. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  9. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  10. ^ "New Hampshire's Representatives - Congressional District Maps (NH)". GovTrack.us. February 22, 1999. Retrieved April 16, 2011.
  11. ^ "Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair | September 11–13, 2015". hcafair.com. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  12. ^ Dodge, Prentiss Cutler (1912). Encyclopedia Vermont Biography. Burlington, VT: Ullery Publishing Company. p. 157 – via HathiTrust.
  13. ^ Watson, Charles S. (2003). Horton Foote: A Literary Biography. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press. p. 155. ISBN 978-0-2927-9160-2.
  14. ^ Reid, Nick (2015). "While others kept their feet on the ground, N.H.-born, world-class climber always pushed the envelope".
  15. ^ About the farm: an illustrated description of the New Boston Dairy and other industries at Valley View, Muzzey, and Hutchinson farms, which are a part of the supply department of Young's Hotel, Parker House, and Hotel Touraine. Boston: Printed for J. R. Whipple Company, 1910
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