History of Somersworth, New Hampshire, USA

Somersworth was organized in 1729 as the parish of "Summersworth", meaning "summer town", because during that season the ministers would preach here.

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Somersworth was set off and incorporated in 1754 by colonial governor Benning Wentworth
A clerical error at incorporation contracted the name to "Somersworth" instead of "Summersworth".
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In 1822, the brothers Isaac and Jacob Wendell of Boston purchased for $5,000 a gristmill in Somersworth with its water rights at the Great Falls.
They established the Great Falls Manufacturing Company, a textile business that expanded to include three mills for spinning thread and weaving cotton and woolen fabrics, specializing in "drillings, shirtings and sheetings."
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1839 - Somersworth
Somersworth, New Hampshire
Strafford county. This town was formerly a part of Dover. It was incorporated in 1754. It is bounded N.W. by Rochester, N.E. by Salmon fall river, which divides it from Berwick, Me., and S.W. by Dover. It is 11 miles N. by W. from Portsmouth, and 45 E. from Concord.

The White Mountains may be seen from the summit of Otis' hill; also the steeples of the meeting houses in Portsmouth and the masts of the shipping in the harbor.

The soil of this town is well adapted to Indian corn, and almost all kinds of grain and grass. The tide flows on the east side of this town, four miles to Quamphegan falls. The river is of sufficient depth, till within a mile of said falls, for vessels of 250 tons. The S. part of this town is bounded on Cocheco river, from its confluence with the Piscataqua to the mouth of Fresh creek, near a mile, and from thence by said creek to its head, nearly a mile and a half.

There are but two ponds of note in this town: Humphrey's pond... Read MORE...

Somersworth's first high school opened in 1850 and was located at 17 Grand Street.

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1854 - Somersworth
Somersworth, a township in Strafford co., New Hampshire, bounded on the E. by Salmon Falls river, 30 miles E. S. E. from Con cord. It contains the village of Great Falls, which see. The Great Falls branch railroad here connects with the Boston and Maine railroad. Population, 4943.
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.

Somersworth was incorporated as a city in 1893

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1895 - Somersworth
Somersworth, sum'ers-worth, a township of Strafford co., N.H. Pop. 5586. It includes the village of Great Falls.
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

1930 - CHILD KILLED BY CANNON.
Somersworth, July 7 - The explosion of a universal joint in the drive-shaft of an automobile, which was being used as a cannon for celebrating the Fourth, caused the death Saturday afternoon of RITA PERREAULT, 6, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Telesphore Perreault of 13 Broad Street.
A piece of metal from it struck the child in the forehead as she stood watching the firing 50 feet away.

The contrivance was being used by Linwood Brown of Berwick for the entertainment of a group of youngsters. Powder was rammed into the empty shaft and ignited with a fuse, a cannon-like report resulting.
Portsmouth Herald
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
July 7, 1930

Whether you're a local resident or just passing through, here's a list of places to visit and things to do in Somersworth and its surrounding areas:
Somersworth Hill
Start your visit with a stroll up Somersworth Hill. This picturesque area offers some beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, especially during the fall when the foliage is at its peak.

Mast Point Dam Park
Located on the Salmon Falls River, this park is a great place for picnicking, fishing, or just enjoying the peaceful riverside atmosphere. It's also a popular spot for birdwatching.

Salmon Falls River
If you enjoy water activities, consider kayaking or canoeing on the Salmon Falls River. The calm waters are perfect for beginners, and you'll have the chance to spot wildlife along the way.

Hiking and Biking Trails
Somersworth is surrounded by natural beauty, and there are several hiking and biking trails in the area. Check out the Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area for scenic trails.

Historical Sites
Somersworth has a rich history, and you can explore it by visiting places like the Summersworth Historical Museum, which provides insight into... Read MORE...