📍 Location & Geography
Alstead is a small, picturesque town located in Cheshire County, in the state of New Hampshire, United States. The town is nestled within the Connecticut River Valley, and it covers a total area of 39.7 square miles, of which 0.6 square miles is water. Alstead is characterized by a hilly terrain, with the highest point being the Beech Hill, standing at 2,018 feet above sea level.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Alstead, New Hampshire are 43.1482° N latitude and 72.3610° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Alstead is part of the Monadnock Region, an area in southwestern New Hampshire known for its outdoor recreational opportunities and natural beauty. The town is surrounded by several other towns including Walpole to the west, Langdon to the north, Acworth to the northeast, and Marlow to the east.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 Census, the population of Alstead was 1,937. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 43.5 years. The gender distribution is nearly even, with 50.6% male and 49.4% female. The majority of the population is of White ethnicity, with smaller percentages of other ethnicities.
🏛️ History
Alstead was first chartered by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth in 1752. The town was named in honor of Johann Heinrich Alsted, a German millennialist theologian. Alstead has a rich history in mill operation, with several mills operating along the Cold River and Warren Brook, producing lumber, grains, and woolen textiles.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Alstead is home to several natural attractions. The town is known for its beautiful fall foliage, attracting visitors from around the region. It also features several bodies of water, including Lake Warren and the Cold River. The town has several conservation areas and nature trails, offering opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.
🏫 Education
Education in Alstead is administered by the Fall Mountain Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, the Alstead Primary School. Middle and high school students attend schools in the neighboring towns within the same school district.
🚧 Transportation
Alstead is served by State Route 123 and State Route 12A, which provide access to other parts of New Hampshire and Vermont. The nearest commercial airports are Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, NH, and Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, CT. Public transportation services are limited, making private vehicles the primary mode of transportation.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Alstead hosts the “Alstead Pumpkin Festival”, a popular event that draws crowds from around the region. The festival features a giant pumpkin weigh-off, pumpkin carving contests, and other family-friendly activities. In 2005, Alstead gained national attention when it was severely affected by a major flood, causing significant damage but also prompting a remarkable community recovery effort.