📍 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.