📍 Location & Geography
Pelham is a town located in Hillsborough County, in the southern part of the state of New Hampshire, United States. It shares borders with Windham to the north, Salem to the east, and the Massachusetts towns of Dracut and Tyngsborough to the south. The town’s terrain is largely characterized by rolling hills, forests, and bodies of water, including the scenic Little Island Pond and Long Pond.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Pelham, New Hampshire are approximately 42.7340° N latitude and 71.3240° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Pelham is part of the New England region, specifically in the southern part of New Hampshire. The town covers a total area of approximately 26.7 square miles (69.1 km²), of which 26.4 square miles (68.4 km²) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.7 km²) is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Pelham was approximately 14,000 residents. The town’s population is predominantly White, with smaller communities of Hispanic, Asian, African American, and other races. The median age in the town is around 40 years old, indicating a fairly balanced age distribution.
🏛️ History
Pelham was first settled in 1722 and was incorporated as a town in 1746. It was named after Henry Pelham, a British prime minister. The town was primarily agricultural in its early years, with the local economy later diversifying to include various industries.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Pelham is known for its natural beauty, with numerous parks, forests, and bodies of water. The town is home to the Muldoon Park, which offers hiking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas. The Pelham Town Forest is another popular spot for outdoor activities. Pelham also has several bodies of water, including Little Island Pond and Long Pond, which offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming.
🏫 Education
Education in Pelham is managed by the Pelham School District. The town has multiple public schools, including Pelham Elementary School, Pelham Memorial School, and Pelham High School. The district is known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Pelham is primarily by road, with several state highways passing through the town, including New Hampshire Route 38 and New Hampshire Route 111A. The nearest airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located about 20 miles north of Pelham.
📜 Trivia & Events
Pelham is home to the annual Pelham Old Home Day, a community event that celebrates the town’s history and community spirit with a parade, fireworks, and other festivities. The town is also known for its historical landmarks, including the Pelham Public Library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.