The Big List

  • Westmoreland, New Hampshire

    πŸ“ Location & Geography

    Westmoreland is a town located in Cheshire County, in the southwestern part of the state of New Hampshire, United States. It is bordered by Walpole to the north, Chesterfield to the south, Keene to the east, and the Connecticut River to the west, which forms the state border with Vermont. The town’s terrain is characterized by rolling hills, fertile valleys, and a variety of water bodies including the Connecticut River and several small streams.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Westmoreland, New Hampshire are approximately 42.9689Β° N latitude and 72.4331Β° W longitude.

    πŸ—ΊοΈ Region & Area

    Westmoreland is part of the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire, an area known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town covers a total area of approximately 27.8 square miles, of which 27.2 square miles is land and 0.6 square miles is water.

    πŸ‘₯ Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Westmoreland had a population of approximately 1,730 people. The population density is relatively low, with around 63 people per square mile. The town’s population is predominantly White, with small percentages of other races. The median age of residents is around 47 years, and the town has a slightly higher percentage of families compared to individuals living alone.

    πŸ›οΈ History

    Westmoreland was first granted in 1735 by Colonial Governor Jonathan Belcher of Massachusetts as “Number 2”, the second in a line of forts intended to protect the colonies from Native American attacks. The town was re-granted in 1752 by Governor Benning Wentworth, and was named Westmoreland in honor of the English Earl of Westmoreland. The town was officially incorporated in 1772.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Westmoreland is known for its scenic beauty, with its landscape dominated by the Connecticut River and the rolling hills of the Monadnock Region. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Pisgah State Park, which offers hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The town also has several farms, contributing to its rural charm and agricultural heritage.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Westmoreland is overseen by the School Administrative Unit 29. The town has its own elementary school, Westmoreland School, serving students from kindergarten through 8th grade. High school students typically attend Keene High School in the nearby city of Keene. There are also several private schools and colleges in the surrounding region.

    🚧 Transportation

    Westmoreland is served by State Route 12, which runs north-south through the town, and State Route 63, which runs east-west. The town is about a 15-minute drive from the city of Keene, which offers additional transportation options including a regional airport and bus services. The closest major airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, approximately 90 miles south of Westmoreland.

    πŸ“œ Trivia & Events

    Westmoreland is home to the Park Hill Meetinghouse, a historic church built in 1762 that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town also hosts several community events throughout the year, including an annual Fall Festival and a Winter Carnival. The Westmoreland Town Hall, built in 1846, is another historic site that serves as a hub for community gatherings and events.


  • West Chesterfield, New Hampshire

    πŸ“ Location & Geography

    West Chesterfield is a charming town located in the state of New Hampshire, United States. It is situated within Cheshire County and is part of the Keene Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town is nestled in the Connecticut River Valley, with the Connecticut River forming its western boundary. The town’s terrain is largely hilly and forested, featuring several streams and brooks.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of West Chesterfield, New Hampshire are approximately 42.899 degrees north latitude and 72.523 degrees west longitude.

    πŸ—ΊοΈ Region & Area

    West Chesterfield is located in the southwestern part of New Hampshire, in the New England region of the United States. The town covers an area of approximately 27.5 square miles, of which nearly 0.7 square miles is water.

    πŸ‘₯ Population & Demographics

    As per the latest U.S. Census data, West Chesterfield has a modest population. The town is predominantly white, with other ethnicities making up a small portion of the population. The age distribution in the town is fairly even, with a mix of young families, working adults, and retirees. The gender distribution is nearly equal.

    πŸ›οΈ History

    West Chesterfield was originally part of Chesterfield, a town chartered by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth in 1752. The area was primarily used for farming and milling in its early years. The village of West Chesterfield developed as a distinct entity over time, with its own schools, post office, and businesses.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    West Chesterfield is known for its scenic beauty, with its hilly terrain and lush forests. The Connecticut River provides a stunning backdrop to the town and offers recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. The town is also home to Madame Sherri Forest, a popular hiking destination with a unique stone staircase known as “Madame Sherri’s Stairs.”

    🏫 Education

    Education in West Chesterfield is managed by the Chesterfield School District. The town has an elementary school, Chesterfield School, which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students typically attend Keene High School in the nearby city of Keene.

    🚧 Transportation

    West Chesterfield is served by a network of state and local roads, including New Hampshire Route 9 and Route 63. The closest major airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, approximately 80 miles to the south. The town is also within driving distance of Interstate 91, providing easy access to other parts of New England.

    πŸ“œ Trivia & Events

    West Chesterfield is home to the Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area, a popular spot for hiking and nature walks. The town also hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Chesterfield Town Fair. The town has been featured in several films, most notably “The Cider House Rules,” which used the town’s scenic landscapes as a backdrop.


  • Troy, New Hampshire

    πŸ“ Location & Geography

    Troy is a charming town situated in the state of New Hampshire, United States. It is nestled within the Cheshire County and is enveloped by the picturesque beauty of the Monadnock Region. The town covers a total area of 15.8 square miles, out of which 0.1 square miles is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates of Troy, New Hampshire are approximately 42Β°50β€²23β€³N latitude and 72Β°11β€²19β€³W longitude.

    πŸ—ΊοΈ Region & Area

    Troy is part of the Monadnock Region, named after Mount Monadnock, which is a prominent part of the local landscape. The Monadnock Region is in the southwestern part of New Hampshire. Troy’s total area of 15.8 square miles is primarily land, with a small portion of water bodies.

    πŸ‘₯ Population & Demographics

    As per the 2010 Census, Troy had a population of 2,145 people. The town’s population is predominantly white, with minorities making up a small percentage of the population. The median age in the town is around 40 years, and the gender distribution is nearly equal.

    πŸ›οΈ History

    Troy was first settled in the year 1762, and it was initially known as ‘Monadnock No. 6’. It was later renamed ‘Mast Camp’ as it was a shipping point for white pine logs to be used as masts for Royal Navy ships. In 1815, it was incorporated as a town and named Troy, after Troy in New York, which was famous as an early center of industry.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Troy is known for its natural beauty, with its location in the Monadnock Region providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The town is home to parts of the Cheshire Rail Trail and the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway. Mount Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the world, is a short drive away from Troy.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Troy is managed by the Monadnock Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Troy Elementary School, for students from kindergarten to grade 6. For middle and high school, students attend the Monadnock Regional Middle High School located in the neighboring town of Swanzey.

    🚧 Transportation

    Troy is served by State Route 12 and State Route 124, providing road connectivity to neighboring towns and cities. The nearest airport is Dillant-Hopkins Airport in Keene, around 10 miles away. The Cheshire Rail Trail passing through the town offers a scenic route for walking and biking.

    πŸ“œ Trivia & Events

    Troy is home to several notable buildings, including the Troy Blanket Mill, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town also hosts an annual Christmas parade, which is a popular event among residents and visitors alike. The town’s proximity to Mount Monadnock makes it a popular starting point for hikers and nature enthusiasts.


  • Stoddard, New Hampshire

    πŸ“ Location & Geography

    Stoddard is a charming town located in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, United States. The town is nestled in the southwestern part of the state and is characterized by its beautiful natural landscapes. It covers a total area of 50.9 square miles, of which 47.8 square miles is land and 3.1 square miles is water. The town is mainly hilly and mountainous, with the highest point being located at Pitcher Mountain, which reaches an elevation of 2,152 feet above sea level.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Stoddard, New Hampshire are approximately 43.1Β° N latitude and 72.1Β° W longitude.

    πŸ—ΊοΈ Region & Area

    Stoddard is part of the Monadnock Region, an area named after Mount Monadnock, which is located in the southern part of New Hampshire. This region is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town of Stoddard itself is primarily rural, with a few small residential and commercial areas.

    πŸ‘₯ Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Stoddard had a population of 1,232 residents. The population density was 25.8 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was predominantly White, with a small percentage of other races. The median age was 47.5 years, indicating a slightly older population compared to the national average.

    πŸ›οΈ History

    Stoddard was originally granted in 1752 under the name of “Monadnock Number 7”. It was one of the fort towns designated to protect the colonies from Indian attack, primarily from the French and Indian War. The town was re-granted in 1768 by Governor John Wentworth to Jonathan Blanchard and others, and named after Colonel Sampson Stoddard. The town was incorporated in 1774. Stoddard saw significant growth in the 19th century due to the rise of the glass industry.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Stoddard is home to several bodies of water, including portions of Highland Lake, Island Pond, and Granite Lake. The town also contains parts of the Andorra Forest Natural Area and the Craney Hill State Forest. The diverse natural environment provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and bird watching.

    🏫 Education

    Educational services in Stoddard are managed by the School Administrative Unit 29. The town has its own elementary school, the James Faulkner Elementary School, which serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. For middle and high school, students typically attend schools in the nearby towns of Keene or Hillsborough.

    🚧 Transportation

    Stoddard is served by New Hampshire Route 9 and New Hampshire Route 123, which provide connections to the surrounding areas. The nearest airport is Dillant-Hopkins Airport in Keene, which is about 20 miles away. Public transportation options are limited due to the rural nature of the town, so most residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting.

    πŸ“œ Trivia & Events

    Stoddard is known for its annual Old Home Day, a community event that features a parade, games, food, and live music. The town is also home to the Stoddard Historical Society, which maintains a collection of artifacts and documents related to the town’s history. A notable piece of trivia is that Stoddard was once a significant center for glass manufacturing in the 19th century, and examples of Stoddard glass are now highly prized by collectors.


  • Spofford, New Hampshire

    πŸ“ Location & Geography

    Spofford is a small village located within the town of Chesterfield in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, United States. It is situated in the southwestern part of the state, near the boundary with Vermont. The village is nestled around the eastern shore of Spofford Lake, a beautiful body of water known for its clear, clean waters. The terrain in and around Spofford is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque landscapes.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Spofford are approximately 42.91 degrees north latitude and 72.44 degrees west longitude.

    πŸ—ΊοΈ Region & Area

    Spofford is part of the Monadnock Region, a rural area in southwestern New Hampshire known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and the iconic Mount Monadnock. The village itself covers a modest area within the town of Chesterfield, with Spofford Lake being a significant feature of the local landscape.

    πŸ‘₯ Population & Demographics

    As a village within the town of Chesterfield, Spofford does not have a separate population count. However, the town of Chesterfield, as of the 2020 census, has a population of approximately 3,604 people. The demographics of Chesterfield, and likely Spofford, are predominantly white, with a median age in the mid-40s, indicating a relatively mature population.

    πŸ›οΈ History

    Spofford was established as part of Chesterfield in the 18th century. The village and its lake were named after Alexander Spofford, one of the original settlers in the Chesterfield area. Over the years, Spofford has retained much of its rural charm and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for those seeking tranquility and outdoor recreation.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Spofford is blessed with a wealth of natural beauty. The centerpiece of the village is Spofford Lake, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings. The lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. The area around Spofford is heavily forested, with numerous trails for hiking and nature walks. Wildlife is abundant in the region, offering opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Spofford is provided by the schools in the Chesterfield School District. The district operates an elementary school and a middle school, while high school students attend Keene High School in the nearby city of Keene. Additionally, there are several private schools and colleges in the surrounding region.

    🚧 Transportation

    Spofford is primarily accessed by road, with New Hampshire Route 9 and New Hampshire Route 63 being the main thoroughfares serving the village. The nearest major airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, which is approximately 80 miles away. Local transportation services include bus lines and taxi services, primarily centered in the nearby city of Keene.

    πŸ“œ Trivia & Events

    Every year, Spofford hosts a number of community events, including the popular Spofford Lake Regatta, a boat race that draws participants and spectators from around the region. The village is also known for its beautiful fall foliage, which attracts visitors each autumn. In addition, Spofford is home to the Spofford Yacht Club, a private club that has been a part of the community since the early 20th century.