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

First called "Number Seven" in a line of Connecticut River fort towns, Orford was incorporated in 1761 by Governor Benning Wentworth and named for Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford, who was the first prime minister of Great Britain. The town was settled in 1765 by Daniel Cross and wife from Lebanon, Connecticut.
Explore even more about Orford, New Hampshire, USA. Keep reading!
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Discover Orford: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1839 - Orford
Orford, New Hampshire
Grafton county. It lies on Connecticut river, over which is a bridge connecting with Fairlee. Orford is 11 miles below Haverhill, 17 N. of Hanover, and 64 N.W. from Concord. The soil is generally of a fertile character. The large intervale farms, watered by the Connecticut, are particularly distinguished for their beauty and fertility. There are two considerable elevations, called Mount Cuba and Mount Sunday, lying near the centre of the town. There are four or five ponds of considerable size, one of which, called Baker's upper pond, lies within 3 or 4 miles of Connecticut river. This pond discharges its waters into another pond, lying partly in Wentworth, and the waters of both empty into Baker's river. Indian pond lies about 1 mile west from Baker's upper pond. Limestone is found in great abundance. It is of the primitive kind, coarse grained, and forms a strong and hard cement. It is found at the foot of a mountain, about 400 or 500 feet above Connecticut... Read MORE...
Orford, New Hampshire
Grafton county. It lies on Connecticut river, over which is a bridge connecting with Fairlee. Orford is 11 miles below Haverhill, 17 N. of Hanover, and 64 N.W. from Concord. The soil is generally of a fertile character. The large intervale farms, watered by the Connecticut, are particularly distinguished for their beauty and fertility. There are two considerable elevations, called Mount Cuba and Mount Sunday, lying near the centre of the town. There are four or five ponds of considerable size, one of which, called Baker's upper pond, lies within 3 or 4 miles of Connecticut river. This pond discharges its waters into another pond, lying partly in Wentworth, and the waters of both empty into Baker's river. Indian pond lies about 1 mile west from Baker's upper pond. Limestone is found in great abundance. It is of the primitive kind, coarse grained, and forms a strong and hard cement. It is found at the foot of a mountain, about 400 or 500 feet above Connecticut... Read MORE...
1854 - Orford
ORFORD, a post - township of Grafton co. New Hampshire, on the left bank of the Connecticut river, 66 miles N. N. W. from Concord. Population, 1406.
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.
ORFORD, a post - township of Grafton co. New Hampshire, on the left bank of the Connecticut river, 66 miles N. N. W. from Concord. Population, 1406.
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 - Orford
Or'ford , a post - village and summer resort of Grafton co., N.H., in Orford township, on the Connecticut River, and on the Passumpsic Railroad, about 14 miles S. by W. of Haverhill. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery. Α bridge across the river connects Orford with Fairlee, in Vermont. Orford has an academy and 2 churches, also manu factures of butter-tubs, & c. Pop. of the township, 1119.
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
Or'ford , a post - village and summer resort of Grafton co., N.H., in Orford township, on the Connecticut River, and on the Passumpsic Railroad, about 14 miles S. by W. of Haverhill. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery. Α bridge across the river connects Orford with Fairlee, in Vermont. Orford has an academy and 2 churches, also manu factures of butter-tubs, & c. Pop. of the township, 1119.
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's a list of places to go and things to do in Orford, New Hampshire:
Orford Historical Society Museum: Start your visit with a trip to the Orford Historical Society Museum. It's a small but informative museum that showcases the town's rich history, including exhibits on early settlers, local industries, and notable residents.
Baker Hill Golf Club: If you enjoy golfing, head over to Baker Hill Golf Club. This scenic 18-hole golf course offers stunning views of the Connecticut River Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Hiking: Orford is surrounded by natural beauty, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. Try the Tuck's Trail, which leads to a lovely viewpoint overlooking the Connecticut River.
Fishing: The Connecticut River is a prime spot for fishing, especially for trout and bass. You can cast your line from the riverbanks or rent a kayak or canoe for a more immersive experience.
Picnicking: Pack a picnic and head to one of the town's scenic spots, such as the Orford Wildlife Management Area or Chapel Brook. Enjoy your meal... Read MORE...
Orford Historical Society Museum: Start your visit with a trip to the Orford Historical Society Museum. It's a small but informative museum that showcases the town's rich history, including exhibits on early settlers, local industries, and notable residents.
Baker Hill Golf Club: If you enjoy golfing, head over to Baker Hill Golf Club. This scenic 18-hole golf course offers stunning views of the Connecticut River Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Hiking: Orford is surrounded by natural beauty, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. Try the Tuck's Trail, which leads to a lovely viewpoint overlooking the Connecticut River.
Fishing: The Connecticut River is a prime spot for fishing, especially for trout and bass. You can cast your line from the riverbanks or rent a kayak or canoe for a more immersive experience.
Picnicking: Pack a picnic and head to one of the town's scenic spots, such as the Orford Wildlife Management Area or Chapel Brook. Enjoy your meal... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Orford Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Orford, New Hampshire, USA
We currently have information about 4 ancestors who were born or died in Orford.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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