📍 Location & Geography
Peterborough is a charming town situated in the Monadnock region of southern New Hampshire, United States. It is located in Hillsborough County and is nestled along the banks of the Contoocook River. The town is surrounded by a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, dense forests, and beautiful waterways. It is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and natural beauty.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Peterborough, New Hampshire are approximately 42.8704° N latitude and 71.9510° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Peterborough covers a total area of approximately 38.1 square miles (98.7 km²), of which 37.3 square miles (96.6 km²) is land and 0.77 square miles (2.0 km²) is water. The town is part of the Monadnock region, named after Mount Monadnock, a prominent mountain peak in the area.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Peterborough had a population of approximately 6,500 residents. The town has a diverse age distribution, with a significant proportion of residents aged 45-64. The gender distribution is relatively balanced, with slightly more females than males. The town is predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.
🏛️ History
Peterborough was first established as a township by Massachusetts Governor Jonathan Belcher in 1737. It was named after Charles Mordaunt, the 3rd Earl of Peterborough. The town played a significant role in the American Industrial Revolution with the establishment of the first water-powered mill in the 19th century. Peterborough is also known as the birthplace of the American Library Movement with the founding of the Peterborough Town Library in 1833, the first tax-supported free public library in the world.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Peterborough is renowned for its natural beauty. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, including Miller State Park, the oldest state park in New Hampshire. The park offers hiking trails and picnic areas, and its summit provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The Contoocook River and Nubanusit Lake offer opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and bird watching.
🏫 Education
Education in Peterborough is managed by the Contoocook Valley School District. The town has several public schools including Peterborough Elementary School, South Meadow School, and Contoocook Valley Regional High School. There are also private educational institutions, such as the Well School, which offers education from preschool through eighth grade.
🚧 Transportation
Peterborough is served by U.S. Route 202 and New Hampshire Route 101, providing easy access to other parts of the state. The town also has a public transportation service, the “Blue Bus”, which offers free rides within the town and to nearby communities. The nearest airports are Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and Boston Logan International Airport.
📜 Trivia & Events
Peterborough is famous for its vibrant arts scene and is home to the Peterborough Players, a professional summer theatre company. The town also hosts the annual Monadnock Music Festival and the Thing in the Spring, an arts and music festival. Peterborough served as the inspiration for the fictional town of Grover’s Corners in Thornton Wilder’s play “Our Town”, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1938.