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History of Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA
Journey back in time to Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA
(East Canterbury)
Explore Canterbury, 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 Canterbury Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

First granted in 1727, the town was named for William Wake, Archbishop of Canterbury. Canterbury in England is famous for its cathedral, and for being the center of English Christianity since 597 AD. The town was originally a fort or trading post where the Penacook Indians came to trade.
The Canterbury Shaker Village is in the eastern part of the town.
nhes.nh.gov
Explore even more about Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA. Keep reading!
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Discover Canterbury: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1839 - Canterbury
Canterbury, New Hampshire
Merrimack county. Canterbury, though an uneven township, is not mountainous. The soil is generally good; the more uneven parts affording excellent pasturage. There are no large streams in this town, but several ponds give rise to smaller streams, furnishing good mill sites, and near which are cut great quantities of hay. Two bridges over the Merrimack connect this town with Boscawen. The town was settled about 1727, and for a long time the inhabitants were exposed to the inroads of the savages. The husbandman cleared and tilled his land under the protection of a guard, uncertain whether the seed he committed to the ground might not be watered by his blood, or that of an enemy. Canterbury lies 8 miles N. from Concord. Population, 1836, 1663.
The Hon. Abiel Foster deserves a particular notice. He possessed in a great degree the esteem and confidence of the people; and soon after he left the pastoral care of the church, he was called to arduous duties as a... Read MORE...
Canterbury, New Hampshire
Merrimack county. Canterbury, though an uneven township, is not mountainous. The soil is generally good; the more uneven parts affording excellent pasturage. There are no large streams in this town, but several ponds give rise to smaller streams, furnishing good mill sites, and near which are cut great quantities of hay. Two bridges over the Merrimack connect this town with Boscawen. The town was settled about 1727, and for a long time the inhabitants were exposed to the inroads of the savages. The husbandman cleared and tilled his land under the protection of a guard, uncertain whether the seed he committed to the ground might not be watered by his blood, or that of an enemy. Canterbury lies 8 miles N. from Concord. Population, 1836, 1663.
The Hon. Abiel Foster deserves a particular notice. He possessed in a great degree the esteem and confidence of the people; and soon after he left the pastoral care of the church, he was called to arduous duties as a... Read MORE...
1854 - Canterbury
CANTERBURY, a post - township of Merrimack county, New Hampshire, on the Boston, Concord, and Montreal railroad, 10 miles N. E. of Concord. Population, 1614.
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.
CANTERBURY, a post - township of Merrimack county, New Hampshire, on the Boston, Concord, and Montreal railroad, 10 miles N. E. of Concord. Population, 1614.
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 - Canterbury
Canterbury, a post-hamlet of Merrimac co., N.H., in Canterbury township, on the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad, 10 miles N. of Concord. The township is bounded on the W. by the Merrimac River. It has 4 churches. Pop. 1169.
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
Canterbury, a post-hamlet of Merrimac co., N.H., in Canterbury township, on the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad, 10 miles N. of Concord. The township is bounded on the W. by the Merrimac River. It has 4 churches. Pop. 1169.
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 places to go and things to do in Canterbury and its surrounding areas:
Canterbury Shaker Village: Start your exploration of Canterbury with a visit to the Canterbury Shaker Village. This historic site preserves the legacy of the Shakers, a religious community known for their craftsmanship and simple way of life. Take a guided tour to learn about their history, architecture, and view beautifully restored buildings and gardens.
Canterbury Center: Stroll through the picturesque Canterbury Center, where you'll find well-preserved colonial-era homes, a lovely common, and a historical museum. This area provides a glimpse into Canterbury's rich history and New England's colonial past.
Meetinghouse Pond: Enjoy a leisurely walk around Meetinghouse Pond, a serene and scenic spot in the heart of Canterbury. The pond is perfect for picnics, birdwatching, and fishing. In the winter, it's a popular spot for ice skating.
Elkins Public Library: If you're a book lover, make sure to stop by the Elkins Public Library. It's a cozy and welcoming place to read,... Read MORE...
Canterbury Shaker Village: Start your exploration of Canterbury with a visit to the Canterbury Shaker Village. This historic site preserves the legacy of the Shakers, a religious community known for their craftsmanship and simple way of life. Take a guided tour to learn about their history, architecture, and view beautifully restored buildings and gardens.
Canterbury Center: Stroll through the picturesque Canterbury Center, where you'll find well-preserved colonial-era homes, a lovely common, and a historical museum. This area provides a glimpse into Canterbury's rich history and New England's colonial past.
Meetinghouse Pond: Enjoy a leisurely walk around Meetinghouse Pond, a serene and scenic spot in the heart of Canterbury. The pond is perfect for picnics, birdwatching, and fishing. In the winter, it's a popular spot for ice skating.
Elkins Public Library: If you're a book lover, make sure to stop by the Elkins Public Library. It's a cozy and welcoming place to read,... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Canterbury Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA
We currently have information about 7 ancestors who were born or died in Canterbury.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA
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