My name is Bob Jenkins and I am the county coordinator for Strafford County.
We have many genealogical resources available here.
We would appreciate any contributions you would like to make to this site.
Brief History of Strafford County, New Hampshire
Established in 1771, Strafford County was one of New Hampshire’s original five counties, carved from the eastern frontier of the colony. Named in honor of Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford, the county played a vital role in the early development of the Granite State.
Anchored by Dover, the county seat and one of the oldest permanent settlements in New Hampshire, Strafford County became a hub for shipbuilding, textile manufacturing, and education. The founding of Durham’s University of New Hampshire in 1866 further cemented the region’s cultural and academic significance.
Over time, the county grew to include vibrant communities such as Rochester, Somersworth, Farmington, and Barrington, each contributing to the area's rich tapestry of industry, agriculture, and civic life. Its proximity to Maine and the Atlantic coast shaped both its economy and its role in regional history.
Today, Strafford County continues to preserve its legacy through local archives, historic landmarks, and genealogical research—inviting descendants and historians alike to explore its enduring story.
New Hampshire, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1636-1947
