The Big List of Cities

Category: P

  • Parsonsfield, Maine

    📍 Location & Geography

    Parsonsfield is a town located in York County, Maine, United States. It is situated in the southwestern part of the state, bordering New Hampshire. The town covers a total area of 57.68 square miles, of which 57.38 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles is water. The town is characterized by rolling hills, open fields, and a variety of forests.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Parsonsfield, Maine are approximately 43°53′17″N latitude and 70°57′49″W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Parsonsfield is part of the Portland-South Portland, ME Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town is divided into several villages including North Parsonsfield, Parsonsfield, and Kezar Falls. It is surrounded by the towns of Cornish, Porter, Hiram, and Limerick in Maine, and Effingham and Wakefield in New Hampshire.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Parsonsfield was 1,898. The town has a diverse age range with a median age of 45.6 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other races.

    🏛️ History

    Parsonsfield was first settled in 1771 and incorporated as a town on February 27, 1785. It was named after Thomas Parsons, one of the biggest proprietors of the town. The town was originally an agricultural community but later developed industries such as lumbering, tanning, and manufacturing.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Parsonsfield is home to several natural attractions. The Ossipee River runs through the town, providing opportunities for fishing and boating. The town also has several trails for hiking and nature walks. The town’s landscape is characterized by a mix of deciduous and coniferous forests, open fields, and wetlands, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Parsonsfield is managed by the Maine School Administrative District 55. The district operates Sacopee Valley High School, which serves students from Parsonsfield and the surrounding towns. There are also several private schools in the nearby areas.

    🚧 Transportation

    Parsonsfield is accessible by road via Maine State Route 160 and Maine State Route 25. The nearest airport is Portland International Jetport, located about 40 miles southeast of the town. There are no major rail lines or public transportation services in Parsonsfield.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Parsonsfield hosts an annual “Old Home Days” event in August, a tradition that dates back to 1887. The event features a parade, games, food, and live music. The town is also home to the Parsonsfield Seminary, a historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Plaistow, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Plaistow is a charming town located in the southeastern part of New Hampshire, in Rockingham County. The town covers a total area of 10.6 square miles. It is bordered by Atkinson to the north, Hampstead to the west, Kingston to the northwest, and Newton to the northeast. The southern boundary of Plaistow is defined by the state line with Massachusetts.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Plaistow are approximately 42.83 degrees north latitude and 71.09 degrees west longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Plaistow is part of the New England region of the United States. The town is situated in the Merrimack Valley region of New Hampshire. It is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area, a region recognized by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget for statistical purposes.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, the population of Plaistow was 7,609. The town has a diverse age group with a median age of 43.4 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Plaistow was officially established as a town in 1749, though its history dates back to 1638 when it was part of Haverhill, Massachusetts. The town was named after Plaistow in East London, England, the birthplace of the then governor, Benning Wentworth. The town’s early economy was largely agricultural, with shoe-making also becoming a significant industry in the 19th century.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Plaistow is home to several parks and nature reserves, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The town’s natural beauty is defined by its mix of woodlands, wetlands, and open spaces. The Plaistow Town Forest is a popular spot for hiking and bird-watching.

    🏫 Education

    The town of Plaistow is served by the Timberlane Regional School District, which includes Timberlane Regional High School, Timberlane Regional Middle School, and Pollard Elementary School. The district is known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Plaistow is conveniently located near several major highways, including Interstate 495 and New Hampshire Route 125. The town does not have its own public transit system, but it is served by the regional Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) bus service. The nearest airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located about 30 miles to the northwest.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Plaistow is known for its annual Old Home Day, a community event that celebrates the town’s history and culture with a parade, live music, food vendors, and various family-friendly activities. The town is also home to the Plaistow Historical Society, which maintains a museum and offers programs to preserve and share the town’s rich history.

  • Portsmouth, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Portsmouth is a vibrant city located in the county of Rockingham, in the state of New Hampshire, United States. It is situated in the northeastern part of the country, along the Piscataqua River, which forms a natural border between New Hampshire and Maine. The city is characterized by its coastal geography, featuring a number of beaches, marshes, and scenic waterways.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Portsmouth, New Hampshire are approximately 43.0718° N latitude and 70.7626° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Portsmouth is part of the larger Seacoast region of New Hampshire, known for its unique blend of urban and rural landscapes. The city covers a total area of 16.8 square miles, of which 15.6 square miles is land and 1.2 square miles is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, the population of Portsmouth was estimated to be around 21,896. The city has a diverse demographic profile, with a mix of different age groups, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The median age is 41.4 years. The racial makeup of the city is predominantly White, followed by Asian, African American, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    Portsmouth was founded in 1623, making it one of the oldest cities in the United States. It was originally named Strawbery Banke, after the wild strawberries that grew along the Piscataqua River. The city played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War and was a major shipbuilding center. Portsmouth’s rich history is evident in its well-preserved 17th and 18th-century buildings and its historic downtown district.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Portsmouth is blessed with a beautiful natural environment, featuring a mix of coastal landscapes, parks, and green spaces. The city is home to the Urban Forestry Center, a 182-acre state park that offers walking trails and environmental education. The city’s coastline provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.

    🏫 Education

    Portsmouth is served by the Portsmouth School District, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Portsmouth High School. The city is also home to a number of private schools. Higher education opportunities are available at the nearby University of New Hampshire and Great Bay Community College.

    🚧 Transportation

    Portsmouth is well-connected by various modes of transportation. Interstate 95, U.S. Route 1, and U.S. Route 4 pass through the city, providing easy access to other parts of the state and region. The city is served by the Pease International Tradeport, which includes a commercial airport. Public transportation is provided by the Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, which operates bus routes throughout the city and surrounding areas.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Portsmouth is known for its vibrant arts scene and hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year. The city is home to the Portsmouth Music Hall, a historic theater that hosts a variety of performances. Portsmouth also hosts the annual Prescott Park Arts Festival, a summer-long outdoor event featuring music, theater, and dance. One interesting fact about Portsmouth is that it was the first city in the country to establish a tree-planting program, which began in 1660.

  • Plainfield, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Plainfield is a charming town located in Sullivan County, New Hampshire, United States. The town is situated in the western part of the state, near the Connecticut River. It is characterized by a mix of rolling hills, open fields, and dense woods. The town’s total area is approximately 52.9 square miles, of which 52.7 square miles is land and 0.2 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Plainfield, New Hampshire are approximately 43°31′N latitude and 72°22′W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Plainfield is part of the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region of New Hampshire, an area known for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town is surrounded by several other towns including Lebanon, Cornish, and Grantham. It is also close to the Vermont border.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Plainfield was about 2,364 residents. The town is predominantly White with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, Asian, African American, Native American, or from other races. The median age in Plainfield is approximately 45 years, and the town has a slightly higher percentage of female residents than male.

    🏛️ History

    Plainfield was incorporated as a town in 1761. It was named after Plainfield, Connecticut. The town was originally settled by a group of farmers, and agriculture played a significant role in its early economy. The town is also known for the Blow-Me-Down Mill, a historic gristmill that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Plainfield is home to a variety of natural features and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town is crisscrossed by several brooks and streams, the largest of which is Blow-Me-Down Brook. The town also includes part of the French’s Ledges, a popular hiking destination with panoramic views of the surrounding area.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Plainfield is managed by the Plainfield School District. The town has one elementary school, Plainfield Elementary School, which serves students in grades K-8. High school students typically attend Lebanon High School in the neighboring town of Lebanon. Additionally, the town is close to several higher education institutions, including Dartmouth College.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Plainfield primarily revolves around road travel. The town is served by New Hampshire Route 12A, which runs north-south through the town. The closest major airport is Lebanon Municipal Airport, located about 15 miles to the north in Lebanon, NH.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Plainfield is the birthplace of Samuel E. Pingree, a Medal of Honor recipient and the 40th Governor of Vermont. The town is also home to the annual Plainfield Pumpkin People celebration, a unique fall event where residents display creative pumpkin-themed decorations. Additionally, the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, the former home and studio of renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, is located in Cornish just a few miles from Plainfield.

  • Pike, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Pike is a small town located in the state of New Hampshire, within the United States. It is situated in Grafton County, in the western part of the state. Pike is characterized by its rural landscape, with a mix of farmland, forests, and small bodies of water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Pike are approximately 43.9667° N latitude and 72.0667° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Pike is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is nestled within the larger town of Haverhill, which spans an area of 52.0 square miles. Pike itself is a small village, covering a relatively small portion of Haverhill’s total area.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As Pike is a small village within the town of Haverhill, exact population numbers are not readily available. However, the town of Haverhill as a whole had a population of approximately 4,697 according to the 2010 Census. The demographics of Haverhill, and likely Pike, are predominantly white, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.

    🏛️ History

    The history of Pike is closely tied to that of Haverhill, which was first settled by Europeans in 1763. The village of Pike was named after General Zebulon Pike, a notable figure in the War of 1812. Pike was once a bustling mill town, with several industries taking advantage of the area’s natural resources.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Pike is surrounded by the natural beauty of rural New Hampshire. The village is close to the White Mountains, a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, moose, and various bird species.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Pike is managed by the Haverhill Cooperative School District, which includes Haverhill Cooperative Middle School and Woodsville High School. There are also several elementary schools in the area.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Pike is primarily by road, with New Hampshire Route 25 running through the village. The closest major airport is Lebanon Municipal Airport, located about 40 miles to the south.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Pike is known for the Pike Granite Company, which was established in the late 19th century and was once one of the largest producers of granite in the country. Today, the old granite quarries are a popular spot for rock climbing. The village also hosts several local events throughout the year, including community dinners and holiday celebrations.