📍 Location & Geography
Hollis is a charming town located in Hillsborough County, in the southern part of the state of New Hampshire, United States. The town is situated along the eastern bank of the Nashua River and is bordered by the towns of Brookline, Milford, Amherst, Merrimack, and Nashua. Hollis features a diverse landscape with rolling hills, open fields, forests, and wetlands.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Hollis, New Hampshire are approximately 42.74 degrees North latitude and 71.59 degrees West longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Hollis is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. The town covers a total area of approximately 32.3 square miles (83.7 km²), of which 31.8 square miles (82.3 km²) is land and 0.5 square miles (1.3 km²) is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.
👥 Population & Demographics
As per the 2010 Census, Hollis had a population of around 7,684 residents. The town has a predominantly white population, with smaller communities of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races. The median age in Hollis is higher than the national average, reflecting a significant population of older residents.
🏛️ History
Hollis was first settled by Europeans around 1740 and was incorporated as a town in 1746. It was named after Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle who was a great supporter of colonial America. Hollis played a small part in the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Over the years, the town has maintained its rural character, with farming being a significant part of its history and current identity.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Hollis is known for its picturesque natural environment, which includes numerous orchards, farms, and forests. The town is home to Beaver Brook Association, a 2,187-acre nature preserve with over 35 miles of trails. The Nashua River and its tributaries also provide opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife observation.
🏫 Education
Hollis is served by the Hollis/Brookline Cooperative School District. It has two elementary schools, Hollis Primary School and Hollis Upper Elementary School, and students attend Hollis/Brookline Middle School and Hollis/Brookline High School. The town is known for its strong commitment to education, with schools regularly receiving high rankings in state and national comparisons.
🚧 Transportation
Hollis is primarily a car-dependent town with most residents commuting by car. The town is served by New Hampshire Route 122 and 130. The nearest airport is Nashua Municipal Airport, which is about 9 miles away. The closest major airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, approximately 25 miles north of Hollis.
📜 Trivia & Events
Hollis is famous for its annual Old Home Days celebration, a two-day event that brings together residents for a parade, fireworks, and various family-friendly activities. The town is also known for its apple orchards and hosts an annual Apple Festival every fall. Additionally, Hollis has been the location for several films, including “In Your Eyes” and “The Good Mother”.