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

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.
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Explore even more about Holderness, New Hampshire, USA. Keep reading!
Holderness Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to HOLDERNESS

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Discover Holderness: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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...
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.
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.
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.
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 - 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.
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
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.
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
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...
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...
Discover YOUR Roots: Holderness Ancestry
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 Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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