📍 Location & Geography
Jaffrey is a charming town located in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, United States. It is nestled in the Monadnock region of the state and is bordered by the towns of Rindge, Sharon, Peterborough, Dublin, and Troy. The town covers an area of 40.3 square miles, with 0.2 square miles of it being water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Jaffrey, New Hampshire are approximately 42.8156° N latitude and 72.0251° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Jaffrey is part of the Monadnock region of New Hampshire, a region known for its outdoor recreational opportunities and natural beauty. The town itself spans a total area of approximately 40.3 square miles.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Jaffrey had a population of 5,457 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 42 years. The population density stands at about 136 people per square mile.
🏛️ History
Jaffrey was first settled in 1758 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1773. It was named after George Jaffrey, a prominent New Hampshire citizen who was a member of His Majesty’s Council, a justice of the superior court and a trustee of Dartmouth College. The town’s history is rich with industry, including the manufacture of woodenware, leather, and paper.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Jaffrey is home to Mount Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the world. The town also features several bodies of water, including Contoocook Lake, Thorndike Pond, and Gilmore Pond, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. The town is known for its stunning fall foliage, attracting leaf-peepers from all over the country.
🏫 Education
Education in Jaffrey is managed by the Jaffrey-Rindge Cooperative School District. The town has two elementary schools, Jaffrey Grade School and Rindge Memorial School, a middle school, Jaffrey-Rindge Middle School, and one high school, Conant High School. Higher education opportunities are available nearby at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge.
🚧 Transportation
Jaffrey is served by state routes 124 and 202. The town also has a small airport, the Jaffrey Airport-Silver Ranch, which provides general aviation services. The nearest interstate highway, I-91, is about 30 miles to the west in Vermont.
📜 Trivia & Events
Jaffrey is known for its annual Festival of Fireworks, which attracts thousands of spectators from around the region. The town is also home to the Park Theatre, the first theatre in New England designed for talking pictures. The theatre, originally opened in 1922, was reopened in 2020 after a major renovation.