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Manchester, NH

Frequently asked questions

Manchester, NH

Manchester is the most populous city in the U.S. state of New Hampshire and northern New England (Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont). At the 2020 census, it had a population of 115,644.

Manchester is, along with the city of Nashua, one of two seats of New Hampshire's most populous county, Hillsborough County. Manchester lies near the northern end of the Northeast megalopolis and straddles the banks of the Merrimack River. It was first named by the merchant and inventor Samuel Blodget(t), eponym of Samuel Blodget Park and Blodget Street in the city's North End. His vision was to create a great industrial center similar to that of the original Manchester in England, which was the world's first industrialized city.

During the Industrial Revolution, Manchester was a major industrial and economic hub for New England, with the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company being the largest cotton textile plant in the world. After World War II, many textile manufacturing jobs left Manchester, but new industries and companies were introduced to the city, such as DEKA.

Manchester is in south-central New Hampshire, 18 miles (29 km) south of Concord, the state capital, and the same distance north of Nashua, the second-largest city in the state. Manchester is 51 miles (82 km) north-northwest of Boston, the largest city in New England.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.9 square miles (90.5 km²), of which 33.1 square miles (85.7 km²) are land and 1.9 square miles (4.8 km²) are water, comprising 5.33% of the city. Manchester is drained by the Merrimack River and its tributaries the Piscataquog River and Cohas Brook. Massabesic Lake is on the eastern border. The highest point in Manchester is atop Wellington Hill, where the elevation reaches 570 feet (170 m) above sea level.

The native Pennacook people called Amoskeag Falls on the Merrimack River—the area that became the heart of Manchester—Namaoskeag, meaning "good fishing place". In 1722, John Goffe III settled beside Cohas Brook, later building a dam and sawmill at what was dubbed "Old Harry's Town". It was granted by Massachusetts in 1727 as "Tyngstown" to veterans of Queen Anne's War who served in 1703 under Captain William Tyng. But at New Hampshire's 1741 separation from Massachusetts, the grant was ruled invalid and substituted with Wilton, Maine, resulting in a 1751 rechartering by Governor Benning Wentworth as "Derryfield"—a name that lives on in Derryfield Park, Derryfield Country Club, and the private Derryfield School.

In 1807, Samuel Blodget opened a canal and lock system to allow vessels passage around the falls, part of a network developing to link the area with Boston. He envisioned a great industrial center arising, "the Manchester of America", in reference to Manchester, England, then at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution.  In 1809, Benjamin Prichard and others built a water-powered cotton spinning mill on the western bank of the Merrimack. Apparently following Blodgett's suggestion, Derryfield was renamed "Manchester" in 1810, the year the mill was incorporated as the Amoskeag Cotton & Woolen Manufacturing Company. It would be purchased in 1825 by entrepreneurs from Massachusetts, expanded to three mills in 1826, and then incorporated in 1831 as the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company.

Health and wellness are paramount in Manchester, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Catholic Medical Center stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Manchester 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 Bellami Fitness, Individual Fitness and Kama Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Manchester, such as the Dorrs Pond Loop and Heritage Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Manchester, NH include the Currier Museum of Art, The Palace Theatre, Manchester Historic Association's Millyard Museum, and SNHU Arena.

Population: 116,386 (2024). ZIP codes: 03101–03105, 03108-03109, 03111. Area code: 603. Elevation: 210 ft (60 m). Area: 34.94 sq mi (90.48 km²).

FAQs

What was Manchester, NH is known for?

During the Industrial Revolution, Manchester was a major industrial and economic hub for New England, with the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company being the largest cotton textile plant in the world. The company's success transformed Manchester into a bustling urban center, drawing workers from rural areas and immigrants from various parts of the world. Today, remnants of Manchester's industrial heritage can still be seen in its historic mill buildings, serving as a reminder of its significant role during the Industrial Revolution.

Is Manchester, NH a nice place to live?

The Queen City is one of the best best places to live near the mountains—and a great New England city to call home, thanks to its fantastic museums, expansive outdoor activities, and exciting sports scene. Living in Manchester, and more specifically, the state of New Hampshire—comes with major perks. For one, residents don’t have to pay state sales tax or income tax. The Granite State also has the lowest poverty rate in the U.S., coming in at 7.2%—compared to the 11.5% U.S. average. On top of that, New Hampshire is one of the safest states to live in.

Is Manchester, NH worth visiting?

Located in the heart of New England, Manchester, New Hampshire, is a spectacular combination of a vibrant urban center and the famed natural beauty and abundant recreational opportunities that abound throughout the Granite State. Manchester has beautiful parks throughout the city, and Lake Massabesic, which is set in the heart of the city, offers boating, gorgeous picnicking locations, and hiking and biking trails. Visit Arms Park for a view of the breathtaking Merrimack River. In the winter, McIntyre Ski Area offers skiers and snowboarders snow-lined trails, while ice skating rinks are located on both the east and west side of the city. The Derryfield Country Club offers 18 holes of golf on expansive greens right in Manchester.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Manchester

Catholic Medical Center 

Manchester Parks and Recreation Department

Bellami Fitness

Individual Fitness 

Kama Fitness

Dorrs Pond Loop 

Heritage Trail

Currier Museum of Art

The Palace Theatre

Manchester Historic Association's Millyard Museum

SNHU Arena

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