The Big List of Cities

Category: P

  • 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.

  • Piermont, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Piermont is a small town located in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States. The town is nestled in the beautiful White Mountains region of the state, offering picturesque landscapes and a tranquil environment. The Connecticut River runs along the western border of Piermont, providing a natural boundary between New Hampshire and Vermont.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Piermont are approximately 44°0′27″N latitude and 72°4′12″W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Piermont is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. The town covers a total area of approximately 38.8 square miles (100.5 km²), of which 37.7 square miles (97.6 km²) is land and 1.1 square miles (2.9 km²) is water.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As per the United States Census Bureau, the population of Piermont was 790 as of the 2010 Census. The town’s population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of other races. The median age in Piermont is around 45 years, indicating a mature resident population.

    🏛️ History

    Piermont was incorporated as a town in 1768. The town was named after George Piermont, a noted friend of Governor Benning Wentworth. The town’s history is deeply rooted in farming and lumbering, with these industries playing a significant role in its development.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Piermont is known for its stunning natural beauty. It is surrounded by lush green forests, rolling hills, and the Connecticut River. The town has several trails for hiking and nature walks, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Lake Tarleton State Park, located nearby, offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Piermont is managed by the Piermont Village School, which serves students from kindergarten through grade 8. For high school education, students typically attend schools in nearby towns. There are also several colleges and universities within driving distance, including Dartmouth College in Hanover.

    🚧 Transportation

    Piermont is primarily accessed by road, with New Hampshire Route 10 and Route 25 running through the town. The nearest commercial airport is Lebanon Municipal Airport, located about 30 miles south of Piermont. Public transportation options are limited, reflecting the town’s rural character.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Piermont is home to the Piermont Public Library, which was established in 1896 and continues to serve the community. The town also hosts several events throughout the year, including the annual Old Home Day, a community celebration featuring a parade, games, and food. Piermont’s beautiful landscapes also make it a popular destination for fall foliage viewing.

  • Pittsburg, New Hampshire

    📍 Location & Geography

    Pittsburg is a town located in the northernmost part of New Hampshire, in Coos County. It is the northernmost town in New Hampshire and the largest town in Coos County by area. The town is bordered by Quebec, Canada to the north and west, and by Maine to the east. It is surrounded by the Connecticut Lakes, the headwaters of the Connecticut River, and several mountains including Mount Magalloway, Deer Mountain, and Bear Mountain.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Pittsburg, New Hampshire are approximately 45.05° N latitude and 71.38° W longitude.

    🗺️ Region & Area

    Pittsburg is part of the New England region of the United States. It covers a total area of about 291 square miles, making it the largest town in the state of New Hampshire by land area. The town is largely forested and includes several bodies of water, most notably the Connecticut Lakes.

    👥 Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 Census, the population of Pittsburg was 869, making it a small and close-knit community. The town’s population is predominantly white, with a median age of around 50 years. The gender distribution is fairly even, with a slightly higher number of males than females.

    🏛️ History

    Pittsburg was incorporated in 1840, named after William Pitt, a British statesman who was a supporter of the American colonies. The town was originally settled for farming and logging. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Pittsburg was a bustling center for the logging industry, with several sawmills in operation.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Pittsburg is known for its stunning natural beauty. It is home to the Connecticut Lakes Natural Area, which includes four Connecticut Lakes and several mountains. The area is popular for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, and wildlife viewing. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, deer, and a variety of bird species.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Pittsburg is managed by the Pittsburg School District. The town has one school, Pittsburg School, which serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade. For higher education, residents typically travel to nearby towns or cities.

    🚧 Transportation

    Given its remote location, transportation in Pittsburg primarily revolves around the use of private vehicles. The town is served by U.S. Route 3, which is the main highway through the town. The nearest airport is the Berlin Regional Airport, located about 50 miles south of Pittsburg.

    📜 Trivia & Events

    Pittsburg is known for its annual Moose Festival, which celebrates the area’s abundant moose population with a weekend of family-friendly activities. The town is also part of the “Moose Alley,” a stretch of Route 3 known for frequent moose sightings. Additionally, Pittsburg is home to the “Old Man of the Mountain,” a rock formation that was a famous symbol of New Hampshire until it collapsed in 2003.