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History of Jaffrey, New Hampshire, USA
Journey back in time to Jaffrey, New Hampshire, USA
(East, Center)
Explore Jaffrey, 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 Jaffrey Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Jaffrey is a town situated in Cheshire County in the southwest corner of New Hampshire about 70 miles from Boston. It was first settled in the 1750s and incorporated in 1773. Named for the Portsmouth merchant George Jaffrey—who never visited the town named for him—it is said to be the only Jaffrey in the world.
jaffreyhistory.org
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Discover Jaffrey: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1839 - Jaffrey
Jaffrey, New Hampshire
Cheshire county. This town lies 62 miles N.W. from Boston and 40 S.W. by S. from Concord. The Grand Monadnock is situated in the N.W. part of this town and in Dublin. Innumerable streams of water issue from the mountain. Those which issue from the western side discharge themselves into the Connecticut river; those from the eastern form the head waters of Contoocook river. The largest stream rises about 100 rods from the summit and descends in a S.E. direction. With this brook, the thirsty and fatigued visitors of the mountain associate the most pleasing recollections. The uneven soil of Jaffrey, affording numerous meadows, and early and rich pastures, is peculiarly adapted to raising cattle. There are several ponds in this town. Out of 3, issue streams sufficient to carry mills erected near their outlets. In the largest, which is 400 rods long, and 140 wide, is an island comprising about 10 acres. About 1 1/ 2 miles S.E. from the mountains is the "Monadnock... Read MORE...
Jaffrey, New Hampshire
Cheshire county. This town lies 62 miles N.W. from Boston and 40 S.W. by S. from Concord. The Grand Monadnock is situated in the N.W. part of this town and in Dublin. Innumerable streams of water issue from the mountain. Those which issue from the western side discharge themselves into the Connecticut river; those from the eastern form the head waters of Contoocook river. The largest stream rises about 100 rods from the summit and descends in a S.E. direction. With this brook, the thirsty and fatigued visitors of the mountain associate the most pleasing recollections. The uneven soil of Jaffrey, affording numerous meadows, and early and rich pastures, is peculiarly adapted to raising cattle. There are several ponds in this town. Out of 3, issue streams sufficient to carry mills erected near their outlets. In the largest, which is 400 rods long, and 140 wide, is an island comprising about 10 acres. About 1 1/ 2 miles S.E. from the mountains is the "Monadnock... Read MORE...
1854 - Jaffrey
JAFFREY, a post - township of Cheshire co., New Hampshire, on the head waters of Contoocook river, about 44 miles S. W. from Concord. Population, 1497.
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.
JAFFREY, a post - township of Cheshire co., New Hampshire, on the head waters of Contoocook river, about 44 miles S. W. from Concord. Population, 1497.
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.
1864 - DEATH BY LIGHTNING
We learn that George Marshall, the younger son of Capt. Abel Marshall of Jaffrey, was killed by lightning in the smart shower in that vicinity, on last Monday evening. The bolt struck the house near the chimney, and shattered one side very much; but no marks of the fluid were seen near the door, where the young man was standing, nor upon his person. He breathed once or twice after the family went to his aid, and the expired.
New Hampshire Sentinel
Keene, New Hampshire
July 1864
We learn that George Marshall, the younger son of Capt. Abel Marshall of Jaffrey, was killed by lightning in the smart shower in that vicinity, on last Monday evening. The bolt struck the house near the chimney, and shattered one side very much; but no marks of the fluid were seen near the door, where the young man was standing, nor upon his person. He breathed once or twice after the family went to his aid, and the expired.
New Hampshire Sentinel
Keene, New Hampshire
July 1864
1895 - Jaffrey
Jaffrey, a post - village in Jaffrey township, Cheshire co., N.H., 28 miles N.N.W. of Fitchburg, Mass. It has a church and a tannery. The Great Monadnock Mountain is in this township, which contains also a larger village, named East Jaffrey (station name, Jaffrey). P. of township, 1256.
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
Jaffrey, a post - village in Jaffrey township, Cheshire co., N.H., 28 miles N.N.W. of Fitchburg, Mass. It has a church and a tannery. The Great Monadnock Mountain is in this township, which contains also a larger village, named East Jaffrey (station name, Jaffrey). P. of township, 1256.
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 are some of the best places to go and things to do in Jaffrey:
Mount Monadnock:
Hiking: Mount Monadnock is famous for its well-maintained hiking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The White Dot Trail and White Cross Trail are two of the most popular routes to the summit. The hike offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Bird Watching: The mountain and its surrounding area are home to a variety of bird species. Bring your binoculars and bird guidebook for some excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Thorndike Pond:
Boating and Fishing: Thorndike Pond is a peaceful spot for boating and fishing. You can rent a kayak or canoe and spend a relaxing day on the water. The pond is known for its bass and trout, making it a favorite among anglers.
Shattuck Golf Club:
Golfing: If you're a golf enthusiast, don't miss the chance to play a round at the Shattuck Golf Club. This beautiful course offers stunning views of Mount Monadnock while you play.
Jaffrey Center Historic District:
Historic... Read MORE...
Mount Monadnock:
Hiking: Mount Monadnock is famous for its well-maintained hiking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The White Dot Trail and White Cross Trail are two of the most popular routes to the summit. The hike offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Bird Watching: The mountain and its surrounding area are home to a variety of bird species. Bring your binoculars and bird guidebook for some excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Thorndike Pond:
Boating and Fishing: Thorndike Pond is a peaceful spot for boating and fishing. You can rent a kayak or canoe and spend a relaxing day on the water. The pond is known for its bass and trout, making it a favorite among anglers.
Shattuck Golf Club:
Golfing: If you're a golf enthusiast, don't miss the chance to play a round at the Shattuck Golf Club. This beautiful course offers stunning views of Mount Monadnock while you play.
Jaffrey Center Historic District:
Historic... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Jaffrey Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, USA
We currently have information about 13 ancestors who were born or died in Jaffrey.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, USA
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