📍 Location & Geography
Concord is the capital city of the U.S. state of New Hampshire and the county seat of Merrimack County. It is located in the central part of the state, along the Merrimack River. The city covers a total area of 67.5 square miles, of which 64.2 square miles is land and 3.2 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Concord, New Hampshire are approximately 43.2081° N latitude and 71.5376° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Concord is positioned within the New England region of the northeastern United States. The city is part of the Concord Micropolitan Statistical Area and is also considered part of the Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT Combined Statistical Area.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the city of Concord had a population of approximately 43,627. The city’s population is fairly diverse, with a mix of Caucasians, African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and other races. The median age in the city is around 39 years.
🏛️ History
Concord was first settled by Europeans in 1725 and was originally known as Rumford. In 1765, it was renamed Concord, after a bitter boundary dispute between Rumford and the town of Bow was resolved and the parties reached a “concord”, or agreement. Concord grew in prominence throughout the 18th and 19th centuries due to its location on the Merrimack River, which allowed for easy transportation of goods. It was officially incorporated as a city in 1853. The New Hampshire state legislature designated Concord as the state capital in 1808.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Concord offers a variety of natural attractions and outdoor activities. The city is home to several parks and recreational areas, including the White Park and the Susan N. McLane Audubon Center. The Merrimack River, which flows through the city, provides opportunities for boating and fishing. The city is also near the White Mountains and the Lakes Region, making it a convenient base for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor adventures.
🏫 Education
Concord is served by the Concord School District, which includes several elementary schools, middle schools, and Concord High School. The city is also home to St. Paul’s School, a prestigious private boarding school. For higher education, Concord hosts NHTI, Concord’s Community College, the University of New Hampshire School of Law, and Granite State College.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Concord is facilitated by a network of state and interstate highways, including Interstates 93 and 89. The city is also served by Concord Coach Lines for bus service and the Concord Municipal Airport for air travel. The city has a walkable downtown area, and there are also numerous biking trails throughout the city.
📜 Trivia & Events
Concord is known for its rich history and cultural events. The city hosts the annual Concord Market Days Festival, a three-day street fair and market. The New Hampshire State House, built in 1819, is the oldest state house in which the legislature meets in its original chambers. Concord is also the home of Christa McAuliffe, the teacher-astronaut who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, a planetarium and space museum, is named in her honor.