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

Gilsum was originally formed in 1752 as the town of Boyle. According to the town history, it was renamed Gilsum when incorporated in 1763 in honor of two prominent families in town: the Gilberts and the Sumners. The mother of Mormon prophet Joseph Smith, Lucy Mack, was born here in 1775.
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Discover Gilsum: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1839 - Gilsum
Gilsum, New Hampshire
A small township in Cheshire county, situated about 10 miles E. from the Connecticut. The soil is, in many parts, fertile, and produces good crops of grass and grain. Ashuelot river runs through this town and affords a good supply of water for mills, which is improved for cotton and other manufactures. Gilsum was granted July 13, 1763, to Messers. Gilbert, Sumner, and others. From the combination of the first syllables of the names of these men, it derives the name Gil-sum. The first settlement was made in 1764. Gilsum lies 55 miles S.W. by W. from Concord and about 9 N. from Keene. Population, 1830, 642.
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
Gilsum, New Hampshire
A small township in Cheshire county, situated about 10 miles E. from the Connecticut. The soil is, in many parts, fertile, and produces good crops of grass and grain. Ashuelot river runs through this town and affords a good supply of water for mills, which is improved for cotton and other manufactures. Gilsum was granted July 13, 1763, to Messers. Gilbert, Sumner, and others. From the combination of the first syllables of the names of these men, it derives the name Gil-sum. The first settlement was made in 1764. Gilsum lies 55 miles S.W. by W. from Concord and about 9 N. from Keene. Population, 1830, 642.
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 - Gilsum
GILSUM, a post - township of Cheshire co., New Hampshire, 35 miles W. S. W. from Concord. Population, 668.
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.
GILSUM, a post - township of Cheshire co., New Hampshire, 35 miles W. S. W. from Concord. Population, 668.
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 - Gilsum
Gilsum, ghil'sum, a post - village of Cheshire co., N.H., 9 miles N. of Keene. It has a church, a graded school, a newspaper office, and 3 woollen - mills. Pop. 640.
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
Gilsum, ghil'sum, a post - village of Cheshire co., N.H., 9 miles N. of Keene. It has a church, a graded school, a newspaper office, and 3 woollen - mills. Pop. 640.
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 - Gilsum
Gilsum, ghil'sum , a post - village of Cheshire co., N.H., 9 miles N. of Keene, its banking point. It has woollen- mills, etc. Pop. about 600.
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
Gilsum, ghil'sum , a post - village of Cheshire co., N.H., 9 miles N. of Keene, its banking point. It has woollen- mills, etc. Pop. about 600.
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 Gilsum, New Hampshire:
Gilsum Village: Start your visit by exploring the heart of Gilsum itself. The village features classic New England architecture, including historic homes, a picturesque church, and a beautiful town common. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, and you'll feel like you've stepped back in time.
Gilsum Rock Swap and Mineral Show: If you're interested in geology or just love shiny, colorful rocks, don't miss the Gilsum Rock Swap and Mineral Show. This annual event, usually held in late June, attracts rock enthusiasts from all over. You can buy, sell, or trade rocks, minerals, and fossils while enjoying the beautiful outdoor setting.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities: The Monadnock Region is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities. There are numerous hiking trails in the area, with nearby Mount Monadnock being one of the most famous. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, you'll find a trail that suits your level of expertise.
Thompson Covered Bridge: Just a... Read MORE...
Gilsum Village: Start your visit by exploring the heart of Gilsum itself. The village features classic New England architecture, including historic homes, a picturesque church, and a beautiful town common. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, and you'll feel like you've stepped back in time.
Gilsum Rock Swap and Mineral Show: If you're interested in geology or just love shiny, colorful rocks, don't miss the Gilsum Rock Swap and Mineral Show. This annual event, usually held in late June, attracts rock enthusiasts from all over. You can buy, sell, or trade rocks, minerals, and fossils while enjoying the beautiful outdoor setting.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities: The Monadnock Region is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities. There are numerous hiking trails in the area, with nearby Mount Monadnock being one of the most famous. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, you'll find a trail that suits your level of expertise.
Thompson Covered Bridge: Just a... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Gilsum Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Gilsum, New Hampshire, USA
We currently have information about 2 ancestors who were born or died in Gilsum.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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