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History of Walpole, New Hampshire, USA
Journey back in time to Walpole, New Hampshire, USA
Explore Walpole, 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 Walpole Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

The town was first granted in 1736 by Colonial Governor Jonathan Belcher of Massachusetts as "Number 3", third in a line of Connecticut River fort towns. It was settled as early as 1736, and called "Great Falls" or "Lunenburg". Colonel Benjamin Bellows, for whom Bellows Falls, Vermont, is named, built a large fort here for defense against Indian attack. After the border between Massachusetts and New Hampshire was fixed (with Number 3 on the New Hampshire side of the line), the town was regranted by Governor Benning Wentworth as "Bellowstown", after its founder. It was incorporated in 1756. The grant was renewed in 1761, when the town was renamed "Walpole", in honor of Sir Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford, and first Prime Minister of Great Britain.
The town of Walpole includes the villages of North Walpole and Drewsville.
Explore even more about Walpole, New Hampshire, USA. Keep reading!
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Discover Walpole: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1839 - Walpole
Walpole, New Hampshire
Cheshire county. This place lies 60 miles S.W. by W. from Concord, 13 N.W. from Keene, and 90 N.W. from Boston. Population in 1830, 1,979. The face of this town is beautifully diversified by hills and vales. The soil is similar to that of other towns on Connecticut river. The intervales afford excellent tilage; the uplands are inferior to none in the state. Cold river passes through the north part, and forms a junction with the Connecticut. There is a lofty hill, called Fall Mountain, a part of the range of Mount Toby; the highest parts of which are about 750 feet above the level of the river. The village of Walpole is situated at the foot of this hill, on a plain; the margin of the intervales. The principal street runs N. and S. and is bordered on both sides with dwelling houses, stores, and shops.
Drewsville, in this town, is a pleasant village, romantically situated near the falls; it is a place of some trade, and considerable manufactures.
Bellows... Read MORE...
Walpole, New Hampshire
Cheshire county. This place lies 60 miles S.W. by W. from Concord, 13 N.W. from Keene, and 90 N.W. from Boston. Population in 1830, 1,979. The face of this town is beautifully diversified by hills and vales. The soil is similar to that of other towns on Connecticut river. The intervales afford excellent tilage; the uplands are inferior to none in the state. Cold river passes through the north part, and forms a junction with the Connecticut. There is a lofty hill, called Fall Mountain, a part of the range of Mount Toby; the highest parts of which are about 750 feet above the level of the river. The village of Walpole is situated at the foot of this hill, on a plain; the margin of the intervales. The principal street runs N. and S. and is bordered on both sides with dwelling houses, stores, and shops.
Drewsville, in this town, is a pleasant village, romantically situated near the falls; it is a place of some trade, and considerable manufactures.
Bellows... Read MORE...
1854 - Walpole
New Hampshire, on the E. Bide of Connecticut river, 44 miles W. S. W. from Concord. The Cheshire railroad runs along the Connecticut, having a station at Walpole village. There are also 2 other villages in this township. Population, 2034.
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.
New Hampshire, on the E. Bide of Connecticut river, 44 miles W. S. W. from Concord. The Cheshire railroad runs along the Connecticut, having a station at Walpole village. There are also 2 other villages in this township. Population, 2034.
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.
1895 - Walpole
Walpole, a post-village and summer resort in Walpole township, Cheshire co., N.H., on the Connecticut River, 4 miles below Bellows Falls, and on the Cheshire Railroad, 18 miles N.W. of Keene. It has a hotel, several boarding houses, a bridge across the river, a high school, a savings bank, and 2 churches. Pop. of the township (1890) 2163.
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
Walpole, a post-village and summer resort in Walpole township, Cheshire co., N.H., on the Connecticut River, 4 miles below Bellows Falls, and on the Cheshire Railroad, 18 miles N.W. of Keene. It has a hotel, several boarding houses, a bridge across the river, a high school, a savings bank, and 2 churches. Pop. of the township (1890) 2163.
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
Here's a list of things to do in and around Walpole:
Visit The Walpole Creamery: Start your day with a scoop or two of delicious homemade ice cream at The Walpole Creamery. They offer a variety of flavors, and their ice cream is made with locally sourced ingredients.
Explore Walpole Village: Take a leisurely stroll through Walpole Village, which is known for its well-preserved historic buildings and beautiful tree-lined streets. The village is a great place to explore on foot and soak in the New England charm.
Walpole Artisans Cooperative: If you appreciate art and crafts, don't miss the Walpole Artisans Cooperative. This collective of local artists and artisans showcases a wide range of handmade goods, from pottery and jewelry to paintings and textiles.
Fall Foliage Viewing: In the fall, Walpole and the surrounding area come alive with vibrant foliage. Drive along scenic routes like Route 12 and enjoy the breathtaking colors of autumn. Be sure to bring your camera.
Grafton Pond: Just a short drive from Walpole, you'll find... Read MORE...
Visit The Walpole Creamery: Start your day with a scoop or two of delicious homemade ice cream at The Walpole Creamery. They offer a variety of flavors, and their ice cream is made with locally sourced ingredients.
Explore Walpole Village: Take a leisurely stroll through Walpole Village, which is known for its well-preserved historic buildings and beautiful tree-lined streets. The village is a great place to explore on foot and soak in the New England charm.
Walpole Artisans Cooperative: If you appreciate art and crafts, don't miss the Walpole Artisans Cooperative. This collective of local artists and artisans showcases a wide range of handmade goods, from pottery and jewelry to paintings and textiles.
Fall Foliage Viewing: In the fall, Walpole and the surrounding area come alive with vibrant foliage. Drive along scenic routes like Route 12 and enjoy the breathtaking colors of autumn. Be sure to bring your camera.
Grafton Pond: Just a short drive from Walpole, you'll find... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Walpole Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Walpole, New Hampshire, USA
We currently have information about 13 ancestors who were born or died in Walpole.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Walpole, New Hampshire, USA
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