📍 Location & Geography
Wilton is a picturesque town located in the southern region of New Hampshire, in the United States. It is situated within Hillsborough County, with the ZIP code of 03086. The town is nestled in the Monadnock Region, known for its rolling hills and beautiful landscapes. The Souhegan River, a tributary to the Merrimack River, flows through the town, adding to its scenic beauty.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Wilton are approximately 42.84° N latitude and 71.74° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Wilton covers a total area of approximately 26.0 square miles, of which nearly 25.7 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles is water. The town is part of the Nashua, New Hampshire Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a part of the larger Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT Combined Statistical Area.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Wilton had a population of 3,677 residents. The demographic makeup of the town was predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age of residents was around 40 years.
🏛️ History
Wilton was first settled by colonists around 1738 and was incorporated as a town in 1762. It was originally known as “Number Two”, being the second in a line of frontier settlements along the New Hampshire border. The town was later renamed Wilton after Wilton in Wiltshire, England. The town’s history is closely tied to the textile industry, with the Wilton Woolen Company being a major employer in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Wilton boasts a variety of natural attractions. The town is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Frye’s Measure Mill, a historic mill that is now a museum and picnic area. The Sheldrick Forest Preserve is another popular spot, offering hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The Souhegan River provides opportunities for fishing and canoeing.
🏫 Education
Wilton is served by the Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative School District. It has one elementary school, Florence Rideout Elementary School, and one middle/high school, Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative Middle/High School. For higher education, residents have access to several colleges and universities within driving distance, including the University of New Hampshire and Southern New Hampshire University.
🚧 Transportation
Wilton is accessible by road, with New Hampshire Route 101 and New Hampshire Route 31 serving the town. The closest major airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located about 25 miles to the northeast. The town also has a Park and Ride lot for commuters.
📜 Trivia & Events
Wilton is known for its annual Summer Festival, which features a parade, fireworks, food vendors, and various family-friendly activities. The town is also home to the historic Wilton Town Hall Theatre, which is one of the few remaining vaudeville-era theatres in the country. It still shows films on its original 1922 projector.