📍 Location & Geography
Keene is a city located in the southwestern part of the state of New Hampshire, in the United States. It is the county seat of Cheshire County and is nestled in the beautiful Monadnock region. The city is surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, with the Ashuelot River running through it.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Keene are approximately 42.9337° N latitude and 72.2782° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Keene is part of the Monadnock Region, named after Mount Monadnock, which is located just 20 miles to the north of the city. The city itself covers a total area of 37.5 square miles, of which 37.3 square miles is land and 0.2 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, the population of Keene was approximately 23,056. The city is predominantly White, with a significant number of people of Irish and English descent. Keene also has a small percentage of residents who are of Asian, African American, and Hispanic or Latino origin.
🏛️ History
Keene was first established as a town in 1736 under the name Upper Ashuelot. In 1753, it was renamed Keene after Sir Benjamin Keene, an English diplomat. The city played a significant role in manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution, particularly in the production of furniture and glass. Keene was officially incorporated as a city in 1874.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Keene is known for its beautiful natural environment, with numerous parks, trails, and outdoor spaces. The city is home to the Ashuelot River Park, a popular spot for walking, biking, and picnicking. The city is also close to Mount Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the world, offering hiking trails and stunning panoramic views.
🏫 Education
Keene is home to Keene State College, a public liberal arts college, and Antioch University New England, a private university. The city is also served by the Keene School District, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and Keene High School.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Keene includes several major highways, including New Hampshire Routes 9, 10, 12, and 101. The city also has a public transportation system, the City Express, operated by the Cheshire County Transportation System. The nearest airport is Dillant-Hopkins Airport, located just south of the city.
📜 Trivia & Events
Keene is famous for hosting the annual Keene Pumpkin Festival, a community event where residents and visitors display thousands of lit jack-o’-lanterns. The festival has set several world records for the most lit jack-o’-lanterns in one place. Keene was also the filming location for the 1995 movie “Jumanji”.