📍 Location & Geography
Durham is a charming town located in Strafford County, New Hampshire, United States. The town is situated along the banks of the Oyster River, with a landscape that features a mix of rolling hills, lush forests, and beautiful waterways. The town’s total area is 24.8 square miles (64.2 km2), of which 22.4 square miles (58.0 km2) is land and 2.4 square miles (6.2 km2), or 9.77%, is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Durham, New Hampshire are approximately 43.1339° N latitude and 70.9264° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Durham is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is located in the southeastern part of New Hampshire and is part of the Dover-Durham NH Metropolitan Statistical Area, which also includes the nearby city of Dover.
👥 Population & Demographics
As per the 2020 U.S. Census, Durham has a population of approximately 16,439 people. The town has a diverse population with a mix of students, families, and professionals. The median age is 21.7 years, reflecting the significant student population due to the presence of the University of New Hampshire. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly white, with a small percentage of Asian, African American, and other races.
🏛️ History
Durham was originally called Oyster River Plantation and was settled in the 1620s. It was incorporated in 1732 and named Durham after the English Bishopric of Durham. The town has a rich history, with several historic buildings and sites, including the Durham Historic Association, which preserves and promotes the town’s history and heritage.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Durham is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Oyster River and the Great Bay nearby. The town has several parks and nature preserves, including Wagon Hill Farm, a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying stunning views of the Great Bay. Durham also has a commitment to sustainability and has implemented several environmental initiatives to preserve its natural resources.
🏫 Education
Durham is home to the University of New Hampshire (UNH), one of the top public universities in the U.S. The town also has excellent public schools, which are part of the Oyster River Cooperative School District. This includes Oyster River High School, which is consistently ranked among the best high schools in New Hampshire.
🚧 Transportation
Durham is served by Amtrak’s Downeaster service, which provides rail transportation to Boston and other cities in the region. The town also has a local bus service, Wildcat Transit, which provides transportation to the UNH campus and surrounding towns. For air travel, the nearest major airport is Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, located about 15 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Durham hosts the Durham Fair, a popular event featuring local crafts, food, and entertainment. The town is also home to the Whittemore Center Arena, a major venue for concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment. One interesting fact about Durham is that it was the location of the Royal Navy’s largest mast agent in the American colonies, which supplied masts for the Royal Navy’s ships in the 1700s.