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History of Derry, New Hampshire, USA
Journey back in time to Derry, New Hampshire, USA
Explore Derry, New Hampshire, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Derry Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Although it was first settled by Scots-Irish families in 1719, Derry was not incorporated until 1827. It was originally a part of Londonderry, as were Windham and portions of Manchester, Salem and Hudson. The town was named after the city of Derry in Ireland, the Irish word Doire meaning "oak grove." The first potato planted in the United States was sown in Derry in the town’s common field in 1719.
Explore even more about Derry, New Hampshire, USA. Keep reading!
Derry Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to DERRY

I Love NEW HAMPSHIRE Mug – Apple Cider Donuts, Pumpkins & Maple Syrup Coffee Cup
Celebrate cozy New Hampshire autumns with every sip! The I Love New Hampshire Mug features charming illustrations of Apple Cider Donuts, Pumpkins, and Maple Syrup, capturing the essence of fall in the Granite State.

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Arrival of Trains at Base of Mt. Washington, NH – Postcard Ceramic Mug
Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the Arrival of Trains at the base of Mt. Washington, NH, captured in exquisite detail as featured in a postcard from over 100 years ago!

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Mt. Washington Aluminum Bookmark – "Climb High, Stay on Track" with Historic Postcard Images
Mark your place in style with this Mt. Washington aluminum bookmark, featuring stunning images from vintage postcards and the inspirational slogan: "Climb High, Stay on Track – Mt. Washington, NH." A perfect keepsake for book lovers, history buffs, and White Mountains enthusiasts, this durable and lightweight bookmark captures the charm and adventure of New Hampshire’s most iconic peak.

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Mt. Washington Coffee Mug - Historic Postcard Images of Mt. Washington & Cog Railway
Climb to the Clouds - Mt. Washington & the Historic Cog Railway! Sip your favorite brew while enjoying a nostalgic journey through the White Mountains with this ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcard images of Mt. Washington, NH, and the legendary Mt. Washington Cog Railway.
Discover Derry: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1719 - The first potato grown in the United States was planted at Londonderry Common Field (now Derry).
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ new-hampshire.html
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ new-hampshire.html
1839 - Derry
Derry, New Hampshire
Rockingham county. A fine grazing township, taken from Londonderry in 1828. The principal manufactures are linen thread and cloth, palm-leaf hats, and shoes. The village is very handsome, and a great thoroughfare for travellers. The soil is very productive, and the inhabitants are remarkable for their industry, general wealth and longevity. Derry lies 18 miles W.S.W. from Exeter and 25 S.E. from Concord. Population, 1830, 2,176.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
Derry, New Hampshire
Rockingham county. A fine grazing township, taken from Londonderry in 1828. The principal manufactures are linen thread and cloth, palm-leaf hats, and shoes. The village is very handsome, and a great thoroughfare for travellers. The soil is very productive, and the inhabitants are remarkable for their industry, general wealth and longevity. Derry lies 18 miles W.S.W. from Exeter and 25 S.E. from Concord. Population, 1830, 2,176.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
1854 - Derry
Debby, a post-township of Rockingham county, New Hampshire, on the Manchester and Lawrence railroad, 26 miles S. E. from Concord, contains a bank. Population, 1850.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Debby, a post-township of Rockingham county, New Hampshire, on the Manchester and Lawrence railroad, 26 miles S. E. from Concord, contains a bank. Population, 1850.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1869 - One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary
The One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the settlement of Derry, N. H., was celebrated on June 10th. Eight thousand people were present, representing various portions of the Union.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 19, 1869
The One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the settlement of Derry, N. H., was celebrated on June 10th. Eight thousand people were present, representing various portions of the Union.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 19, 1869
1895 - Derry
Der'ry, a post-village of Derry township, Rockingham co., N.H., 1 mile from Derry Railroad Station, and about 11 miles S.E. of Manchester. It has several churches, an academy, a national bank, a newspaper office, a planing mill, a grist-mill, and manufactures of edge-tools, reed ribs, plant-stakes, and wired tree-labels. Pop. of the township, 2604.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Der'ry, a post-village of Derry township, Rockingham co., N.H., 1 mile from Derry Railroad Station, and about 11 miles S.E. of Manchester. It has several churches, an academy, a national bank, a newspaper office, a planing mill, a grist-mill, and manufactures of edge-tools, reed ribs, plant-stakes, and wired tree-labels. Pop. of the township, 2604.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1916
Derry, a banking post-village and summer-resort of Derry township (town), in Rockingham co., N.H., on the Boston and Maine R., 11 miles SE. of Manchester. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3583. It is the seat of the Pinkerton Academy.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Derry, a banking post-village and summer-resort of Derry township (town), in Rockingham co., N.H., on the Boston and Maine R., 11 miles SE. of Manchester. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3583. It is the seat of the Pinkerton Academy.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
There are plenty of places to go and things to do in Derry. Here's a list to get you started:
Robert Frost Farm: Begin your exploration of Derry with a visit to the Robert Frost Farm, where the famous poet Robert Frost lived from 1900 to 1911. You can take a guided tour of the farmhouse and learn about his life and work.
Hiking and Nature Trails: Derry is home to some beautiful hiking and nature trails. Head to Ballard State Forest or Alexander-Carr Park for scenic hikes and opportunities to connect with nature.
Benson Park: This former zoo has been transformed into a lovely public park. You can stroll around the picturesque grounds, enjoy the gardens, and even see remnants of the zoo's past.
MacGregor Park: A great spot for a family outing, MacGregor Park offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities. It's perfect for a day of outdoor fun.
Tupelo Music Hall: If you're a music lover, check out the Tupelo Music Hall. They host a variety of live music acts, from rock to folk, providing a great night out.
Derry Rail Trail: If you enjoy biking or walking,... Read MORE...
Robert Frost Farm: Begin your exploration of Derry with a visit to the Robert Frost Farm, where the famous poet Robert Frost lived from 1900 to 1911. You can take a guided tour of the farmhouse and learn about his life and work.
Hiking and Nature Trails: Derry is home to some beautiful hiking and nature trails. Head to Ballard State Forest or Alexander-Carr Park for scenic hikes and opportunities to connect with nature.
Benson Park: This former zoo has been transformed into a lovely public park. You can stroll around the picturesque grounds, enjoy the gardens, and even see remnants of the zoo's past.
MacGregor Park: A great spot for a family outing, MacGregor Park offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities. It's perfect for a day of outdoor fun.
Tupelo Music Hall: If you're a music lover, check out the Tupelo Music Hall. They host a variety of live music acts, from rock to folk, providing a great night out.
Derry Rail Trail: If you enjoy biking or walking,... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Derry Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Derry, New Hampshire, USA
We currently have information about 26 ancestors who were born or died in Derry.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Derry, New Hampshire, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Derry.View Them Now
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