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History of Dorchester, New Hampshire, USA
Journey back in time to Dorchester, New Hampshire, USA
(North) (Bucks Corner) (Cheever)
Explore Dorchester, 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 Dorchester Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Originally granted by Governor Benning Wentworth in 1761, Dorchester was named for Dorchester in Dorset, England. When the recipients failed to take up the grant, it was regranted in 1766, but also without success. Finally, it was regranted by Governor John Wentworth to 72 people on May 1, 1772, and settlement began soon thereafter.
Dorchester contains the following villages:
Dorchester
Bucks Corner
Cheever
North Dorchester
Explore even more about Dorchester, New Hampshire, USA. Keep reading!
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Discover Dorchester: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1839 - Dorchester
Dorchester, New Hampshire
Grafton county, is situated on the highlands between Connecticut and Merrimack rivers, 12 miles from the former and 8 from the latter. It is 23 miles S. by E. from Haverhill, 50 N.W. from Concord, and 90 N.W. by W. from Portsmouth. The principal streams are the S. branch of Baker's river, a branch of Mascomy, and Rocky branch. There are two considerable ponds, both in the W. part of the town. The soil in some parts is very fertile, particularly the intervales on the branch of Baker's river. The highlands are very uneven, and the greater part rocky. First settled about the year 1772. Population, 1830, 702.
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
Dorchester, New Hampshire
Grafton county, is situated on the highlands between Connecticut and Merrimack rivers, 12 miles from the former and 8 from the latter. It is 23 miles S. by E. from Haverhill, 50 N.W. from Concord, and 90 N.W. by W. from Portsmouth. The principal streams are the S. branch of Baker's river, a branch of Mascomy, and Rocky branch. There are two considerable ponds, both in the W. part of the town. The soil in some parts is very fertile, particularly the intervales on the branch of Baker's river. The highlands are very uneven, and the greater part rocky. First settled about the year 1772. Population, 1830, 702.
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 - Dorchester
DORCHESTER, a post-township of Grafton county, New Hampshire, about 50 miles N. N. W. from Concord. Population, 711.
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.
DORCHESTER, a post-township of Grafton county, New Hampshire, about 50 miles N. N. W. from Concord. Population, 711.
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 - Dorchester
Dorchester, a post - township of Grafton co., N.H., 15 miles W. of Plymouth. It has a church. Pop. 689.
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
Dorchester, a post - township of Grafton co., N.H., 15 miles W. of Plymouth. It has a church. Pop. 689.
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 - Dorchester
Dorchester, a post - township (town) of Grafton co., N.H., 15 miles W. of Plymouth. Pop. in 1900, 308.
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
Dorchester, a post - township (town) of Grafton co., N.H., 15 miles W. of Plymouth. Pop. in 1900, 308.
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
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Dorchester:
Dorchester Historical Society Museum: Start your visit by exploring the Dorchester Historical Society Museum. This small but informative museum showcases the town's rich history, including artifacts, photographs, and documents. It's a great place to get a sense of Dorchester's past.
Baker River: The Baker River runs through Dorchester and is a picturesque spot for a leisurely walk, fishing, or a picnic. The tranquil sound of flowing water and the surrounding forest make it an ideal place to unwind.
Hiking: Dorchester is surrounded by natural beauty, making it a haven for hikers. You can explore nearby trails like the Indian Pond Trail, which takes you through scenic woodlands, or head to the nearby White Mountains for more challenging hikes.
Camping: If you're an outdoor enthusiast, consider camping in the area. There are several campgrounds and primitive camping spots where you can enjoy the beauty of the New Hampshire wilderness. Make sure to check regulations and obtain... Read MORE...
Dorchester Historical Society Museum: Start your visit by exploring the Dorchester Historical Society Museum. This small but informative museum showcases the town's rich history, including artifacts, photographs, and documents. It's a great place to get a sense of Dorchester's past.
Baker River: The Baker River runs through Dorchester and is a picturesque spot for a leisurely walk, fishing, or a picnic. The tranquil sound of flowing water and the surrounding forest make it an ideal place to unwind.
Hiking: Dorchester is surrounded by natural beauty, making it a haven for hikers. You can explore nearby trails like the Indian Pond Trail, which takes you through scenic woodlands, or head to the nearby White Mountains for more challenging hikes.
Camping: If you're an outdoor enthusiast, consider camping in the area. There are several campgrounds and primitive camping spots where you can enjoy the beauty of the New Hampshire wilderness. Make sure to check regulations and obtain... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Dorchester Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Dorchester, New Hampshire, USA
We currently have information about 1 ancestors who were born or died in Dorchester.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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