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

The town was first granted in 1764 by colonial Governor Benning Wentworth as "Franconia", a name widely applied to the region by 1760 due to the terrain's resemblance to the Franconian Switzerland in the region of Franconia in Germany.
It was regranted in 1772 by his nephew, Governor John Wentworth, as "Morristown". Sometime between 1779 and 1782, after a legal battle over the two grants, the first grant was recognized and the original name of the town was resumed.
Explore even more about Franconia, New Hampshire, USA. Keep reading!
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to FRANCONIA

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 Franconia: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1839 - Franconia
Franconia, New Hampshire
Grafton county. It is 28 miles N.E. from Haverhill and 74 N. from Concord. A large proportion of this town is mountainous. Its streams are branches of the Lower Amonoosuck river, and rise on the mountainous tracts to the east. Here are several ponds: one of which, called Ferrin's pond, is the source of the middle branch of Pemigewasset river. The mountains adjoining the Notch, through which the road passes, are most conspicuous. These are called Mounts La Fayette and Jackson. On the latter is the celebrated "Profile," or "Old Man of the Mountain." It is situated on a peak of solid rock, 1,000 feet in height and almost perpendicular. On this peak, nature, in her wildest mood, exhibits the profile of the human face, of which every feature is delineated with wonderful exactness. The Franconia mountain pass presents to the traveller some of the wildest scenery in our country, and must ever remain a great thoroughfare between the upper waters of the Connecticut... Read MORE...
Franconia, New Hampshire
Grafton county. It is 28 miles N.E. from Haverhill and 74 N. from Concord. A large proportion of this town is mountainous. Its streams are branches of the Lower Amonoosuck river, and rise on the mountainous tracts to the east. Here are several ponds: one of which, called Ferrin's pond, is the source of the middle branch of Pemigewasset river. The mountains adjoining the Notch, through which the road passes, are most conspicuous. These are called Mounts La Fayette and Jackson. On the latter is the celebrated "Profile," or "Old Man of the Mountain." It is situated on a peak of solid rock, 1,000 feet in height and almost perpendicular. On this peak, nature, in her wildest mood, exhibits the profile of the human face, of which every feature is delineated with wonderful exactness. The Franconia mountain pass presents to the traveller some of the wildest scenery in our country, and must ever remain a great thoroughfare between the upper waters of the Connecticut... Read MORE...
1854 - Franconia
FRANCONIA, a post - township of Grafton county, New Hampshire, 75 miles N. by W. from Concord. Population, 584.
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.
FRANCONIA, a post - township of Grafton county, New Hampshire, 75 miles N. by W. from Concord. Population, 584.
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 - Franconia
Franconia, a post - township of Grafton co., N.H., about 30 miles N. of Plymouth. The surface is occupied by high mountains, among which is Mount Lafayette. It has several boarding-houses for summer boarders. Pop. 549.
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
Franconia, a post - township of Grafton co., N.H., about 30 miles N. of Plymouth. The surface is occupied by high mountains, among which is Mount Lafayette. It has several boarding-houses for summer boarders. Pop. 549.
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 Franconia, New Hampshire:
Franconia Notch State Park: This iconic park is the crown jewel of Franconia and offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Explore the Flume Gorge, Cannon Mountain, and Echo Lake. Hiking trails like the Franconia Ridge Trail and Artists Bluff Trail provide breathtaking vistas.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway: Take a ride on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, one of the most popular attractions in the area. Enjoy stunning views of the White Mountains as you ascend to the summit, where you can hike, have a picnic, or simply soak in the scenery.
The Flume Gorge: Walk through the narrow gorge with walls rising up to 90 feet high. A wooden boardwalk takes you through this natural wonder, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the waterfall, covered bridges, and moss-covered rocks.
Franconia Heritage Museum: Learn about the history of Franconia and the surrounding area at this charming museum. It features exhibits on logging, farming, and local traditions, offering a glimpse into... Read MORE...
Franconia Notch State Park: This iconic park is the crown jewel of Franconia and offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Explore the Flume Gorge, Cannon Mountain, and Echo Lake. Hiking trails like the Franconia Ridge Trail and Artists Bluff Trail provide breathtaking vistas.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway: Take a ride on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, one of the most popular attractions in the area. Enjoy stunning views of the White Mountains as you ascend to the summit, where you can hike, have a picnic, or simply soak in the scenery.
The Flume Gorge: Walk through the narrow gorge with walls rising up to 90 feet high. A wooden boardwalk takes you through this natural wonder, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the waterfall, covered bridges, and moss-covered rocks.
Franconia Heritage Museum: Learn about the history of Franconia and the surrounding area at this charming museum. It features exhibits on logging, farming, and local traditions, offering a glimpse into... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Franconia Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Franconia, New Hampshire, USA
We currently have information about 3 ancestors who were born or died in Franconia.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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