📍 Location & Geography
Canterbury is a picturesque town located in the state of New Hampshire, United States. It is situated in Merrimack County and is known for its beautiful landscapes and serene environment. The town is spread across an area of 44.4 square miles, of which 43.6 square miles is land and 0.8 square miles is water. The town is characterized by a mix of flat and hilly terrains, and is adorned with several streams and rivers.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Canterbury, New Hampshire are approximately 43°20′24″N latitude and 71°34′26″W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Canterbury is located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is part of the Concord, New Hampshire Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is a component of the larger Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT Combined Statistical Area. The town covers a total area of approximately 44.4 square miles.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 Census, Canterbury had a population of 2,352 residents. The demographics of the town show a majority of White residents, with minorities including African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Canterbury is around 46 years, indicating a slightly older population compared to the national average.
🏛️ History
Canterbury was first granted by Lieutenant Governor John Wentworth in 1727 to merchants from Portsmouth. It was originally named ‘Loudon’, but was incorporated as ‘Canterbury’ in 1741. The town has a rich history, with several historic buildings and sites, including the Canterbury Shaker Village, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Canterbury is known for its natural beauty, featuring a variety of landscapes from forests and fields to rivers and ponds. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and bird watching. The Ayers State Forest and the Merrimack River are among the notable natural attractions in the area.
🏫 Education
Education in Canterbury is managed by the Shaker Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, the Canterbury Elementary School. For middle and high school, students attend the Belmont Middle School and Belmont High School, located in the neighboring town of Belmont.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Canterbury primarily relies on road networks, with the town being served by Interstate 93 and New Hampshire Route 132. The nearest airport is the Concord Municipal Airport, located approximately 15 miles away in Concord, the state capital.
📜 Trivia & Events
Canterbury is home to the Canterbury Shaker Village, an internationally-known, non-profit museum and historic site with 25 original Shaker buildings, four reconstructed Shaker buildings, and 694 acres of forests, fields, gardens, nature trails, and mill ponds under permanent conservation easement.
The town also hosts several events throughout the year, including the annual Canterbury Fair, a traditional, old-time country fair that has been a local tradition since the early 1900s. The fair features traditional arts and crafts, a parade, music, and food.