History of Swanzey, New Hampshire, USA

1839 - Swanzey
Swanzey, New Hampshire
Cheshire county. This town lies 6 miles S. from Keene and 60 S.W. from Concord. The principal streams are the Ashuelot and the South Branch rivers. The former passes through Swanzey in a S.W. direction, and empties into the Connecticut at Hinsdale. This is a stream of much importance, and is made navigable for boats as far up as Keene, excepting a carrying place about the rapids at Winchester. The South Branch unites with the Ashuelot about one mile north from the centre of the town. The surface here is somewhat diversified with hills, valleys, and swells of upland. There is one pond in the S.W. part of the town, the source of South Branch. There is a mineral spring, the water of which is impregnated with sulphate of iron. Some iron ore has been discovered. Here are 2 cotton factories, 1 cotton and woolen factory, and other machinery.

Swanzey was first granted by Massachusetts, in 1733. After the divisional line was run, it was granted in 1753, by New... Read MORE...

1854 - Swanzey
SWANZEY, a post - village in Cheshire co., New Hampshire, on Ashuelot river, and the Ashuelot branch of the Connecticut River railroad, about 45 miles S. W. of Concord. Population of the township, 2106.
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.

1890 - Fire at Swanzey
One of the dry houses at Munsell's box shops, at Swanzey Factory caught fire about five o'clock last Wednesday afternoon and as there was no force pump at the mills, the destruction of all property in that vicinity was threatened. A bucket line was formed and the fire kept somewhat in check for a while. In the mean time a telephone message was sent to Keene for assistance. The message was received by Engineer Haines about 6 o'clock, and he immediately ordered out Steamer No. 2 and the hose wagon, with about a dozen men. The bay horses and the grey mare belonging to the city were attached to the steamer and the grey colts to the hose wagon. the trip to Swanzey was made in about fifteen minutes. Two lines of hose were then laid and the fire soon subdued. The engine threw excellent fire streams, burning waste wood after using up what coal she carried. The apparatus returned about 8 p. m. Mr. Munsell lost one dry house and its contents. The loss is estimated at $600.
New Hampshire Sentinel
Keene, New Hampshire
June 25, 1890

1895 - Swanzey
Swanzey, swon'ze, a post - hamlet in Swanzey township, Cheshire co., N.H., near the Cheshire Railroad, 4 miles S. of Keene. It has a church, and manufactures of lumber, pails, and wooden-ware. The township is drained by the Ashuelot River, and contains a village named West Swanzey, in which is Swanzey Station of the Ashuelot Railroad.
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 things to do and places to visit in Swanzey and its surrounding areas:
Thompson Covered Bridge: Start your visit with a trip to the Thompson Covered Bridge, one of the town's iconic landmarks. This picturesque bridge spans the Ashuelot River and is a great spot for photography and a leisurely stroll.

Ashuelot Rail Trail: If you enjoy biking, walking, or running, the Ashuelot Rail Trail is a must-visit. This scenic trail follows the path of a former railroad and meanders through forests, wetlands, and along the Ashuelot River. It's particularly stunning during the fall foliage season.

Rhododendron State Park: Located just a short drive from Swanzey in Fitzwilliam, Rhododendron State Park is famous for its vibrant rhododendron groves that bloom in July. Take a walk through the park's wooded trails and enjoy the breathtaking display of pink and white blossoms.

Mount Monadnock: Often referred to as the most climbed mountain in the United States, Mount Monadnock is a hiker's paradise. It's a short drive from Swanzey and offers various trails of... Read MORE...