Add YOUR Family To This Page
History of Ashland, New Hampshire, USA
Journey back in time to Ashland, New Hampshire, USA
Explore Ashland, 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 Ashland Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Ashland was once the southwestern corner of Holderness, chartered in 1751 by colonial Governor Benning Wentworth. But hostilities during the French and Indian War delayed settlement, and in 1761, it was regranted as "New Holderness" (although "New" would be dropped in 1816). Settled in 1763, the town was predominantly agricultural except for Holderness Village on the Squam River, with falls that drop about 112 feet (34 m) before meeting the Pemigewasset River. The falls provided water power for mills, and in 1770–1771, a sawmill and gristmill were built. The Squam Lake Woolen Mill was established in 1840. Goods manufactured at local factories included hosiery, gloves, sporting equipment, wood products and paper...
In 1868 Holderness Village was set off as Ashland, named for Ashland, the Kentucky estate of Henry Clay.
Explore even more about Ashland, New Hampshire, USA. Keep reading!
Ashland Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to ASHLAND

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 Ashland: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1839 - Holderness
Holderness, N. H.
Grafton co. It is 65 miles N. W. from Portsmouth, and 40 N. fiom 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. Population,... Read MORE...
Holderness, N. H.
Grafton co. It is 65 miles N. W. from Portsmouth, and 40 N. fiom 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. Population,... 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.
1868 Holderness Village set off as Ashland
1894 - Col. Cheney's Home Destroyed.
ASHLAND, N. H., Feb. 26.---The home of Col. Thomas P. Cheney, United States Pension Agent for New-Hampshire and Vermont, was burned to the ground yesterday morning. Col. Cheney, his wife, and daughter Annie, together with Miss Grace Applebee, a guest barely escaped, clad only in the lightest clothing. Miss Applebee, who gave the alarm to the neighbors, ran several rods on the snow without clothing, and had both feet badly frozen. Mr. Cheney received a wound in the forehead, the result of an explosion. The house annex, shed, and barn, together with their contents, were entirely consumed. Col. Cheney's library and mineral and antique collection could not be saved. A brass pitcher, once the property of George Washington, was safely taken from the house. The loss is over $15,000; insurance, $3,500.
The New York Times
New York, New York
February 27, 1894
ASHLAND, N. H., Feb. 26.---The home of Col. Thomas P. Cheney, United States Pension Agent for New-Hampshire and Vermont, was burned to the ground yesterday morning. Col. Cheney, his wife, and daughter Annie, together with Miss Grace Applebee, a guest barely escaped, clad only in the lightest clothing. Miss Applebee, who gave the alarm to the neighbors, ran several rods on the snow without clothing, and had both feet badly frozen. Mr. Cheney received a wound in the forehead, the result of an explosion. The house annex, shed, and barn, together with their contents, were entirely consumed. Col. Cheney's library and mineral and antique collection could not be saved. A brass pitcher, once the property of George Washington, was safely taken from the house. The loss is over $15,000; insurance, $3,500.
The New York Times
New York, New York
February 27, 1894
1895 - Ashland
Ashland, a post-village of Grafton co., N.H. in Ashland township, on the Pemigewasset River, and on the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad, 45 miles N. of Concord. It has 2 churches, a hotel, a bank, and manufactures of manila paper, leather-board, and woollen goods. The township is bounded on the N.E. by Squam Lake. Pop. of the township in 1880, 960; in 1890, 1193.
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
Ashland, a post-village of Grafton co., N.H. in Ashland township, on the Pemigewasset River, and on the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad, 45 miles N. of Concord. It has 2 churches, a hotel, a bank, and manufactures of manila paper, leather-board, and woollen goods. The township is bounded on the N.E. by Squam Lake. Pop. of the township in 1880, 960; in 1890, 1193.
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 Ashland, New Hampshire:
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Located just a short drive from Ashland, this science center offers a unique opportunity to learn about the local wildlife and natural environment. Explore interactive exhibits, attend animal presentations, and walk along beautiful nature trails where you can see native animals in a naturalistic setting.
Squam Lake: Squam Lake, made famous by the movie "On Golden Pond," is a pristine and serene destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. You can rent a kayak, canoe, or motorboat to explore its crystal-clear waters. There are also public beaches like Livermore Cove and Sandwich Town Beach for swimming and picnicking.
Hiking in the White Mountains: Ashland is surrounded by the White Mountains, making it an excellent base for hiking enthusiasts. Nearby trailheads lead to hiking routes suitable for all levels, from family-friendly walks to challenging peaks. Consider hikes in places like the White Mountain National Forest and the Squam... Read MORE...
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Located just a short drive from Ashland, this science center offers a unique opportunity to learn about the local wildlife and natural environment. Explore interactive exhibits, attend animal presentations, and walk along beautiful nature trails where you can see native animals in a naturalistic setting.
Squam Lake: Squam Lake, made famous by the movie "On Golden Pond," is a pristine and serene destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. You can rent a kayak, canoe, or motorboat to explore its crystal-clear waters. There are also public beaches like Livermore Cove and Sandwich Town Beach for swimming and picnicking.
Hiking in the White Mountains: Ashland is surrounded by the White Mountains, making it an excellent base for hiking enthusiasts. Nearby trailheads lead to hiking routes suitable for all levels, from family-friendly walks to challenging peaks. Consider hikes in places like the White Mountain National Forest and the Squam... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Ashland Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Ashland, New Hampshire, USA
We currently have information about 7 ancestors who were born or died in Ashland.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Ashland, New Hampshire, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Ashland.View Them Now
Not the place you are looking for? Try again!
Search for YOUR Family by Place
Our Genealogy Gift Ideas
Ancestry Family Tree Search
Search for YOUR Family by Name
NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.Updated: 1/17/2025 3:07:33 PM












