Washington 
New Hampshire
 Includes Washington Center and E. Washington

 

 

 

Washington, New Hampshire is a rural, scenic small town in southwestern New Hampshire, with a scattered population of less than 1000. The landscape is hilly, rugged, rocky, forested -- and lovely. (It is not near Mt. Washington, the state's highest mountain, which is located 100 miles north among the White Mountains.)  
 
In 1749 the first survey was made of towns bordering on Massachusetts. These towns were designated as South Monadnock (Jaffrey), North Monadnock (Dublin), Monadnock No. 4 (Fitzwilliam), Monadnock No. 5 (Marlboro), Monadnock No. 6 (Nelson), Monadnock No. 7 (Stoddard), and Monadnock No. 8 (Washington). 
 
When the 60 proprietors received their charter in 1751, the town was called New Concord. However, the town was never settled, and the grant was revoked.  Reuben Kidder, Esq., of New Ipswitch New Hampshire acquired the grant from the proprietors, he named the town Camden. In 1768 the first settlers arrived in May and camped at the outlet of Millen's Pond. Each was granted 100 acres of land with the privilege of choosing land from any part of the township. 
 
There were no traces of white man or Indians in the area. Game was plentiful and fish abounded in the streams and ponds. They first built log houses lived in a simple manner. In 1773 the first town census was taken, and there were 132 inhabitants.    
 
On December 9, 1776 the town was incorporated as Washington and was included in Cheshire County until July 5, 1827, when it became part of the newly incorporated Sullivan County. In 1830 the town population reached a peak of 1,135. 
 
Many mills were built along the streams and soon Washington was manufacturing lumber, barrel staves, shingles, chair parts, bobbins, whip sockets, hosiery, bricks and washboards. They grew crops and grist mills ground flour. Fifty three tons of maple sugar was being produced in 1886. Wool and mutton were important to the economy of the town. 
 
Then, like many rural New England towns, it experienced a long decline, as people moved to the cities for employment and to the Mid-West for serious farming. By 1960 the population was down to near 200. 


 
During the railroad era Washington became known for it's mountain air, healthy water and it's many hotels and tourist homes.  Today, Washington's still clear lakes and ponds, clear mountain air and beautiful scenery has enabled it to remain a tourist area and New Hampshire's best kept secret.  
 
In recent decades the population has been increasing, colonial homes have been restored, and the town appears to be prosperous; there is now a richly varied and growing mix of professional, working and retired people. The town has no major industry, but many folks travel to Hillsboro (14 miles) and beyond for their daily employment. Washington is rich in lakes and ponds and there are a number of settlements and developments on their shores. 

Washington is the first town incorporated under the name of George Washington. 
Washington as the first Civil War Monument erected in N. H. 
Washington has the Highest Town Center in the State. The elevation is 1,538.667 feet. 
Washington has the highest year-round maintained road in N. H. 
Washington has 26 lakes and ponds. 
Washington's Meeting house has been in continuous use for over 200 years.

 

 

 
Congregational Church & School c. 1920
 

 

Birth Place of the Seventh-day Adventist Church 

The Washington Historical Society
 

 

  

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