📍 Location & Geography
Cornish is a quaint town situated in Sullivan County, New Hampshire, United States. It is located along the Connecticut River, which forms the state boundary with Vermont. The town is characterized by its rolling hills, green landscapes, and charming rural atmosphere.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Cornish, New Hampshire are approximately 43.5 degrees north latitude and 72.3 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Cornish is part of the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region of New Hampshire, a popular area known for its outdoor recreational opportunities and scenic beauty. The town itself covers an area of approximately 42.8 square miles, of which 1.3 square miles is water, mainly from the Connecticut River and Mill Brook.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Cornish was estimated to be just over 1,600 people. The town has a predominantly white population, with a small percentage of other races. The median age of residents is around 45 years, indicating a slightly older population compared to the national average.
🏛️ History
Cornish was originally granted in 1763 by Governor Benning Wentworth and was named “Mast Camp” as it was the shipping point for white pine logs to be used as masts for the Royal Navy’s ships. It was later renamed Cornish in honor of Sir Samuel Cornish, a distinguished admiral of the Royal Navy.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Cornish is blessed with a rich natural environment, featuring lush forests, rolling hills, and the picturesque Connecticut River. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Cornish Wildlife Management Area and the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park. The latter is the former home of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of America’s greatest sculptors.
🏫 Education
Education in Cornish is managed by the Cornish School District. The town has one elementary school, the Cornish Elementary School, which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students typically attend schools in neighboring towns, such as the Windsor High School in Windsor, Vermont.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Cornish is primarily by road, with New Hampshire Route 12A being the main thoroughfare through the town. The closest major airport is Lebanon Municipal Airport in Lebanon, New Hampshire, which is approximately 20 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Cornish has been the summer home to several famous people, including President Woodrow Wilson and sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The town is also known for the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States and the longest two-span covered bridge in the world. Every year, the town hosts the Cornish Fair, a traditional agricultural fair featuring livestock shows, crafts, food, and entertainment.