📍 Location & Geography
Atkinson is a small, picturesque town located in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. It is situated in the southeastern part of the state, bordered by Hampstead to the south, Plaistow to the east, and Salem to the west. The town covers a total area of 11.3 square miles, of which 11.2 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Atkinson are 42°50′22″N latitude and 71°8′45″W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Atkinson is part of the New England region, specifically within the Merrimack Valley area of New Hampshire. The town is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is approximately 27 miles southeast of Manchester, New Hampshire’s largest city, and about 40 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 Census, Atkinson had a population of 6,751 residents. The town’s population is predominantly white, making up approximately 97.3% of the population. The remaining population is composed of Asian, African American, Native American, and other races. The median age in Atkinson is 45.3 years.
🏛️ History
Atkinson was first settled in 1664 by people from Haverhill, Massachusetts. The town was incorporated on September 3, 1767, by Governor John Wentworth, and was named in honor of Colonel Theodore Atkinson, a local landowner. Atkinson has a rich history with several historic buildings, including the Atkinson Academy, the second-oldest co-educational school in the country.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Atkinson is known for its beautiful natural environment, which includes several parks, trails, and bodies of water. Big Island Pond, a large lake shared with the neighboring towns of Derry and Hampstead, is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. The town is also home to the Atkinson State Forest, a large conservation area perfect for hiking, bird watching, and nature photography.
🏫 Education
Education in Atkinson is managed by the Timberlane Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Atkinson Academy, which serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Middle and high school students attend Timberlane Regional Middle School and Timberlane Regional High School, both located in neighboring Plaistow.
🚧 Transportation
Atkinson is primarily a car-dependent town with most residents commuting by car. The town is served by New Hampshire Route 121, which provides access to other parts of the state. The nearest airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located about 30 miles to the northwest.
📜 Trivia & Events
Atkinson is home to the annual Atkinson Fair, a community event that features local food, crafts, and entertainment. The town is also known for its historic Town Hall, which was built in 1827 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, Atkinson was the childhood home of poet Robert Frost, who lived in the town from 1885 to 1895.