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

Granted as "Upper Coos" in 1763 by colonial Governor Benning Wentworth to Captain David Page of Petersham, Massachusetts, the town was settled in 1764 by his son, David Page, Jr. and Emmons Stockwell. It was the first settlement north of Haverhill, New Hampshire, 50 miles (80 km) to the south, and originally included land in what is now Vermont. Situated on the northern Connecticut River, the community endured many Indian hostilities. It would be named for Lancaster, Massachusetts, hometown of an early inhabitant.
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Lancaster Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to LANCASTER

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 Lancaster: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1839 - Lancaster
Lancaster, New Hampshire
Coos county. Shire town of the county, and situated on the southeastern bank of Connecticut river, which forms and washes its N.W. boundary, a distance of ten miles. It lies distant 110 miles W. from Portland, 130 N. from Portsmouth, 95 N. from Concord, and 75 above Dartmouth College. Besides the Connecticut, which is deep and about 22 rods in width while it passes through Lancaster, the town is watered by Israel's river and several considerable brooks. Across this river a bridge and several dams are thrown, forming a valuable water power. There are several ponds in Lancaster, the largest of which is called Martin-meadow pond, from Martin, a hunter. This communicates with Little pond.
Lancaster is situated near lofty mountains but is not itself mountainous. There are three hills in the S. part of the town, called Martin-meadow hills; and the land in the S.E. part lies too high up the mountains for cultivation. The soil along the Connecticut is alluvial,... Read MORE...
Lancaster, New Hampshire
Coos county. Shire town of the county, and situated on the southeastern bank of Connecticut river, which forms and washes its N.W. boundary, a distance of ten miles. It lies distant 110 miles W. from Portland, 130 N. from Portsmouth, 95 N. from Concord, and 75 above Dartmouth College. Besides the Connecticut, which is deep and about 22 rods in width while it passes through Lancaster, the town is watered by Israel's river and several considerable brooks. Across this river a bridge and several dams are thrown, forming a valuable water power. There are several ponds in Lancaster, the largest of which is called Martin-meadow pond, from Martin, a hunter. This communicates with Little pond.
Lancaster is situated near lofty mountains but is not itself mountainous. There are three hills in the S. part of the town, called Martin-meadow hills; and the land in the S.E. part lies too high up the mountains for cultivation. The soil along the Connecticut is alluvial,... Read MORE...
1854 - Lancaster
LANCASTER, a post - village, capital of Coos county, New Hampshire, on Israel's river, near its junction with the Connecticut, about 100 miles N. from Concord, contains, besides the county buildings, an academy and 2 banks. The Connecticut river is crossed by a bridge near this place. Population of the township, 1559.
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.
LANCASTER, a post - village, capital of Coos county, New Hampshire, on Israel's river, near its junction with the Connecticut, about 100 miles N. from Concord, contains, besides the county buildings, an academy and 2 banks. The Connecticut river is crossed by a bridge near this place. Population of the township, 1559.
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 - Freschet
Lancaster, N. H. April 15. - The worst freshet in years is now on hereabouts, Frank Smith & Co.’s boom broke last night, letting upwards of 300,000 feet of timber loose, this jam struck the iron bridge with tremendous force lifting it from its foundation carrying it down the river half-a-mile. The bridge was built two years ago and cost $10,000. It is reported that three other booms at Grange, Jefferson and Riverton also
broke during the night, making over, 1,000,000 feet of timber that have passed through the village. It is still raining and the water is rising.
The Fitchburg Sentinel
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
April 15, 1895
Lancaster, N. H. April 15. - The worst freshet in years is now on hereabouts, Frank Smith & Co.’s boom broke last night, letting upwards of 300,000 feet of timber loose, this jam struck the iron bridge with tremendous force lifting it from its foundation carrying it down the river half-a-mile. The bridge was built two years ago and cost $10,000. It is reported that three other booms at Grange, Jefferson and Riverton also
broke during the night, making over, 1,000,000 feet of timber that have passed through the village. It is still raining and the water is rising.
The Fitchburg Sentinel
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
April 15, 1895
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Lancaster, New Hampshire:
Outdoor Adventures:
Hiking: Lancaster is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails. One of the most popular options is the Presidential Range, which includes hikes like Mount Washington and Mount Adams. For a more relaxed hike, try the Weeks State Park Trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Fishing: The area is home to numerous lakes, rivers, and streams, making it a great spot for fishing. The Connecticut River and local ponds offer opportunities to catch trout, salmon, and other species.
ATV Riding: If you're into ATV riding, explore the extensive network of trails in the nearby White Mountains. Rentals and guided tours are available for both beginners and experienced riders.
Skiing and Snowmobiling: In the winter months, Lancaster becomes a winter wonderland. Enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing at nearby resorts like Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain. Snowmobiling is also a popular winter activity, with well-maintained trails throughout the... Read MORE...
Outdoor Adventures:
Hiking: Lancaster is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails. One of the most popular options is the Presidential Range, which includes hikes like Mount Washington and Mount Adams. For a more relaxed hike, try the Weeks State Park Trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Fishing: The area is home to numerous lakes, rivers, and streams, making it a great spot for fishing. The Connecticut River and local ponds offer opportunities to catch trout, salmon, and other species.
ATV Riding: If you're into ATV riding, explore the extensive network of trails in the nearby White Mountains. Rentals and guided tours are available for both beginners and experienced riders.
Skiing and Snowmobiling: In the winter months, Lancaster becomes a winter wonderland. Enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing at nearby resorts like Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain. Snowmobiling is also a popular winter activity, with well-maintained trails throughout the... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Lancaster Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Lancaster, New Hampshire, USA
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