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Exeter, NH

Frequently asked questions

Exeter, NH

Exeter is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. Its population was 16,049 at the 2020 census, up from 14,306 at the 2010 census. Exeter was the county seat until 1997, when county offices were moved to neighboring Brentwood. Home to Phillips Exeter Academy, a private university-preparatory school, Exeter is situated where the Exeter River becomes the tidal Squamscott River. The urban center of town, where 10,109 people resided at the 2020 census, is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as the Exeter census-designated place.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has an area of 20.0 square miles (51.7 km²), of which 19.6 square miles (50.8 km²) are land and 0.3 square miles (0.9 km²) is covered by water, comprising 1.80% of the town. Exeter is drained by the Exeter River, which feeds the tidal Squamscott River in the center of town. Exeter's highest point is 250 feet (76 m) above sea level, on Great Hill at the town's southwestern corner. Exeter lies fully within the Piscataqua River (Coastal) watershed.

For thousands of years prior to European colonization, the area was inhabited by Pennacook Abenaki villagers. The location was originally known as "M’Squamskook", meaning "Falls at the Place of the Salmon" in Abenaki language, and would later become known as "Squamscott".

On April 3, 1638, John Wheelwright, a clergyman exiled from the Puritan theocracy Massachusetts Bay Colony, purchased the land from Wehanownowit, the sagamore. Wheelwright took with him about 175 individuals to found a town he named after Exeter in Devon, England. Local government was linked with Massachusetts until New Hampshire became a separate colony in 1679, and counties were introduced in 1769.

One of the four original townships in the province, Exeter originally included Newmarket, Newfields, Brentwood, Epping, and Fremont. On July 4, 1639, 35 freemen of Exeter signed the Exeter Combination, a document written by Wheelwright to establish their own government. The settlers hunted, planted and fished, raised cattle and swine, or made shakes (shingles) and barrel staves.

Some early settlers came from Hingham, Massachusetts, including the Gilman, Folsom, and Leavitt families. In 1647, Edward Gilman Jr. established the first sawmill, and by 1651, Gilman had a 50-ton sloop which he used to conduct business in lumber, staves, and masts. Gilman was lost at sea in 1653 while traveling to England to purchase equipment for his mills, but his family later became prominent as lumbermen, shipbuilders, merchants, and statesmen. The Gilman Garrison House and the American Independence Museum were both former homes of the Gilman family. The Gilman family also donated the land on which Phillips Exeter Academy stands, including the academy's original Yard, the oldest part of campus. Members of the Gilman family have played an important role in the United States government, including Founding Father Nicholas Gilman, as well as treasurers, a governor, representatives to the General Assembly and judges to the General Court of New Hampshire.

The last Native American raid on Exeter was in August 1723, and by 1725, the tribes had left the area. In 1774, the rebellious Provincial Congress began to meet in the Exeter Town House after colonial governor John Wentworth banned it from the colonial capitol at Portsmouth. In July 1775, the Provincial Congress had the provincial records seized from royal officials in Portsmouth and brought to Exeter, as well, so Exeter became New Hampshire's capital, an honor it held for 14 years.

Health and wellness are paramount in Exeter, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Exeter Hospital stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Exeter Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Dauntless Academy and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Exeter, such as the Hillzilla Trail and Red Loop and Jolly Rand Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Exeter, NH include Rinks At Exeter, American Independence Museum, and the Exeter Historical Society.

Population: 16,049 (2020). Area: 20.0 sq mi (51.7 km²). Elevation: 33 ft (10 m). ZIP Code: 03833. Area Code: 603.

FAQs

What is interesting about Exeter, NH?

Exeter was one of the four original towns established in New Hampshire, and was first settled in 1638 as Squamscott. It was given the name Exeter by the settlement's managers, known as the Exeter Combination. The riverside location of the town made it a shipbuilding center and West Indies trading port, Exeter's original land charter included the present day towns of Epping, Newmarket, Newfields, and Brentwood. Exeter was the birthplace of Daniel Chester French, sculptor of the figure of Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial. Both the Phillips Exeter Academy. endowed by Colonel John Phillips in 1781, and the American Independence Museum are located in Exeter.

Is it expensive to live in Exeter, NH?

Exeter is 12% more expensive than the national average and 3% more expensive to live in than the average city in New Hampshire. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2 Bedroom Apt. Food costs in Exeter are less affordable than average in the United States. Transportations costs in Exeter are more affordable than average in the United States.

Is Exeter, NH a good place to live?

Exeter is in Rockingham County and is one of the best places to live in New Hampshire. Living in Exeter offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many retirees live in Exeter and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Exeter are highly rated.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Exeter

Exeter Hospital

Exeter Parks and Recreation Department

Dauntless Academy 

Anytime Fitness

Hillzilla Trail and Red Loop 

Jolly Rand Trail

Rinks At Exeter

American Independence Museum

Exeter Historical Society

Erieri

Niche

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