📍 Location & Geography
Lyme is a charming town located in Grafton County, in the U.S. state of New Hampshire. It is nestled along the Connecticut River, which forms the boundary between New Hampshire and Vermont. Lyme is characterized by its rural landscape, with rolling hills, forests, and farmland.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Lyme, New Hampshire are approximately 43.8112° N latitude and 72.1602° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Lyme is part of the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region of New Hampshire. It covers a total area of approximately 54.7 square miles, of which 53.9 square miles is land and 0.8 square miles is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 Census, Lyme had a population of 1,716. The town has a predominantly white population, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Asian, African American, or from other racial backgrounds. The median age in Lyme is around 47 years, indicating a slightly older population compared to the national average.
🏛️ History
Lyme was first chartered in 1761 by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth, and it was settled the following year. The town was named after Lyme Regis, a coastal town in West Dorset, England. Lyme’s history is deeply rooted in farming and agriculture, with many of the original farmhouses and barns still standing today.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Lyme is home to a variety of natural attractions. The Connecticut River offers opportunities for boating and fishing, while the town’s forests and trails are perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities. Lyme also contains part of the Appalachian Trail, a famous long-distance hiking trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine.
🏫 Education
Education in Lyme is managed by the Lyme School District. The town has one elementary school, Lyme Elementary School, which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students typically attend Hanover High School in the nearby town of Hanover. For higher education, the prestigious Dartmouth College is located just a short drive away in Hanover.
🚧 Transportation
Lyme is served by New Hampshire Route 10, which runs north-south through the town. The closest major airport is Lebanon Municipal Airport, located about 16 miles to the south in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Public transportation in the area is provided by Advance Transit, a free bus service that operates in the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire and Vermont.
📜 Trivia & Events
Lyme is known for its annual events, including the Lyme Winter Carnival, which features ice skating, snow sculpture contests, and other winter-themed activities. The town also hosts the annual Lyme Art Association’s Outdoor Sculpture Show, showcasing works from local and regional artists. Trivia fans might be interested to know that Lyme was the inspiration for the fictional town of Peyton Place, the setting of Grace Metalious’ 1956 novel and the subsequent TV series and movie.