GREENERPASTURE Free Family History Since 1999
Seasonal stories & historical reading

Flag associated with Holderness, New Hampshire, USA History of Holderness, New Hampshire, USA

Journey back in time to Holderness, New Hampshire, USA

Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Holderness, New Hampshire, USA.

ABOUT THE PLACE

About Holderness

Holderness, New Hampshire, USA - Holderness, New Hampshire, USA - Trinity Church, Dedicated 1788
The Squam Lakes were a trade route for Abenaki Indians and early European settlers, who traveled the Squam River to the Pemigewasset River, then to the Merrimack River and seacoast. In 1751, Thomas Shepard submitted a petition on behalf of 64 grantees to Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth for 6 miles square on the Pemigewasset River. The governing council accepted, and the town was named after Robert Darcy, 4th Earl of Holderness. The French and Indian War, however, prevented settlement until after the 1759 Fall of Quebec. The land was regranted as New Holderness in 1761 to a group of New England families, and first settled in 1763. As proprietor of half the town, Samuel Livermore intended to create at New Holderness a great estate patterned after those of the English countryside. By 1790, the town had 329 residents, and in 1816, "New" was dropped from its name.

kids.kiddle.co
Source
Have family roots in Holderness?Add your family to this place
MAP
Use the map to explore this place and its surroundings.
ADVERTISEMENT
VINTAGE HOLDERNESS

Holderness Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Holderness, New Hampshire, USA - Trinity Church, Dedicated 1788
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
Trinity Church, Dedicated 1788
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA - Chocorua Episcopal Chapel, Chocorua Island, Asquam Lake
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
Chocorua Episcopal Chapel, Chocorua Island, Asquam Lake
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA - Holderness School for Boys
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
Holderness School for Boys
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA - Little Asquam Lake
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
Little Asquam Lake
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA - St. Peters in the Mount
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
St. Peters in the Mount
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA - The Towers
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
The Towers
Show more vintage photos, ads & postcards
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA - Asquam House, 1915
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
Asquam House, 1915
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA - Willoughby House
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
Willoughby House
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA - Main Street
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
Main Street
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA - Lake at White Oak
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
Lake at White Oak
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA - Little Holland Cabins
Holderness, New Hampshire, USA
Postcard
Pinterest
Little Holland Cabins
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to HOLDERNESS

Buy it NOW!

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.
LOCAL HISTORY

Discover Holderness: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Holderness through the years.

1839 - Holderness
Holderness, New Hampshire
Grafton county. It is 65 miles N.W. from Portsmouth and 40 N. from Concord. The soil is hard and not easily cultivated, but when subdued is tolerably productive. From the sap of the sugar maple, a considerable quantity of sugar is made. The Pemigewasset imparts a portion of its benefits to this place, and there are various other streams which serve to fertilize the soil, and to furnish mill seats. Squam river, the outlet of Squam ponds, runs in a S.W. direction and empties into the Pemigewasset near the S.W. angle of the town. This stream affords excellent mill privileges, having on it 2 paper mills and other machinery. There are 3 ponds or lakes.

The road from Plymouth through this place to Winnepisiogee lake, and along the borders of that lake to Wolfeborough, is highly interesting; displaying scenery which is scarcely equalled in this part of our country. Holderness was first granted in 1751. The first settlement was made about the year 1763....
Read more
1854 - Holderness
HOLDERNESS, a post township of Grafton co., N. H., on the Boston, Concord, and Montreal railroad, 45 miles N. by W. from Concord, has many fine mill seats. Population, 1744.
1895 - Holderness
Hold'erness, a post - township of Grafton co., N.H., is on the W. side of Squam Lake. It is bounded on the W. by the Pemigewasset River, which separates it from Plymouth. Pop. 793.
Let's explore some places to go and things to do in Holderness:
1. Squam Lake: Start your adventure by exploring Squam Lake, which gained fame as the filming location for the movie "On Golden Pond." You can rent a kayak, canoe, or take a guided boat tour to admire the crystal-clear waters, numerous islands, and local wildlife. It's a serene and picturesque place for water activities.

2. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Located on the shores of Squam Lake, this center offers an educational and entertaining experience. You'll find exhibits of native wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and river otters. There are also live animal presentations and walking trails to explore.

3. Rattlesnake Mountain: For a moderately challenging hike with a breathtaking payoff, head to Rattlesnake Mountain. The trail is about a 1.9-mile round trip and offers panoramic views of Squam Lake and the surrounding area. It's especially stunning during the fall foliage season.

4. Holderness Historical Society Museum: If you're interested in the town's...
Read more
GENEALOGY IN HOLDERNESS

Discover YOUR Roots: Holderness Ancestry

Explore ancestors connected to Holderness through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.

BIRTHS & DEATHS

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Holderness, New Hampshire, USA

We currently have information about 2 ancestors who were born or died in Holderness.

View ancestors by year of birth
Updated: 1/17/2025 5:37:18 PM
COMMUNITY

Discussion & Local Contributions

Share corrections, memories, local history, or family connections that may help other researchers.

Back to topSearch this place again