The Big List

  • Bennington, New Hampshire

    πŸ“ Location & Geography

    Bennington is a charming town nestled in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States. It’s located in the southwestern part of the state, surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of the Monadnock region. The Contoocook River flows through the town, providing a scenic backdrop and recreational opportunities.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographic coordinates for Bennington, New Hampshire are approximately 43.0 degrees North latitude and 71.75 degrees West longitude.

    πŸ—ΊοΈ Region & Area

    Bennington is part of the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire, known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town covers a total area of approximately 11.5 square miles (29.8 square kilometers), of which 11.2 square miles (29.0 square kilometers) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 square kilometers) is water.

    πŸ‘₯ Population & Demographics

    According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2010, Bennington had a population of 1,476 people. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 39 years. The population density was 131.8 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.

    πŸ›οΈ History

    Bennington was first settled in 1752 and was incorporated as a town in 1842. It was named in honor of Governor Benning Wentworth. The town was known for its mills, which used the power of the Contoocook River. The mills produced paper, lumber, and woolen goods, contributing significantly to the local economy in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Bennington is home to several natural attractions. The Contoocook River offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The surrounding Monadnock region is known for its hiking trails, including the well-known Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway. The town is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a range of bird species.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Bennington is served by the Contoocook Valley School District, which includes Pierce Elementary School located in the town. For secondary education, students attend the nearby ConVal Regional High School located in Peterborough. There are also several colleges and universities within driving distance, including Franklin Pierce University and Keene State College.

    🚧 Transportation

    Bennington is served by state routes 31 and 202, which provide connections to nearby towns and cities. The closest major airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located about 35 miles to the east. Public transportation is provided by the Monadnock Region Transit Authority, offering bus services to surrounding areas.

    πŸ“œ Trivia & Events

    Bennington holds an annual Winter Fest in February, featuring a variety of winter-themed activities and events for residents and visitors. The town is also home to the Bennington Battle Monument, the tallest structure in Vermont, commemorating the Battle of Bennington during the American Revolutionary War. However, it’s worth noting that the actual battle took place about 10 miles to the west in Walloomsac, New York.


  • Ashuelot, New Hampshire

    πŸ“ Location & Geography

    Ashuelot is a small, unincorporated community located in the town of Winchester, within Cheshire County, in the state of New Hampshire, United States. The community is situated in the southwestern part of New Hampshire, close to the Massachusetts border. The village is named after the Ashuelot River which flows through it, providing a scenic and tranquil setting.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Ashuelot, New Hampshire are approximately 42.77 degrees North latitude and 72.42 degrees West longitude.

    πŸ—ΊοΈ Region & Area

    Ashuelot resides in the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire, an area known for its outdoor recreational opportunities and natural beauty. The village itself is relatively small, with the Ashuelot River being a significant geographical feature.

    πŸ‘₯ Population & Demographics

    As an unincorporated community, Ashuelot does not have its own separate population statistics. However, it is part of the town of Winchester, which had a population of around 4,341 as of the 2010 census. The demographic makeup of Winchester, and likely Ashuelot, is predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.

    πŸ›οΈ History

    Ashuelot has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The village was once a busy industrial center, with mills powered by the Ashuelot River. One of the most notable historical structures in the area is the Ashuelot Covered Bridge. Built in 1864, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most photographed bridges in New Hampshire.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Ashuelot is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Ashuelot River being a prominent feature. The river is popular for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The area is also home to the Ashuelot Rail Trail, a 21-mile trail that is used for walking, biking, and snowmobiling. The trail offers scenic views of the river, historic mill sites, and abundant wildlife.

    🏫 Education

    Educational services in Ashuelot are provided by the Winchester School District, which operates Winchester School for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students typically attend Keene High School in the nearby city of Keene.

    🚧 Transportation

    Ashuelot is primarily accessed by car, with New Hampshire Route 119 running through the community. The nearest major airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, approximately 90 miles to the south.

    πŸ“œ Trivia & Events

    Each year, the town of Winchester, including Ashuelot, celebrates “Winchester Pickle Festival”, a community event that includes a parade, live music, crafts, and of course, pickles. The Ashuelot Covered Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in New Hampshire, is a popular site for tourists and photographers.


  • Antrim, New Hampshire

    πŸ“ Location & Geography

    Antrim is a charming town located in Hillsborough County, in the state of New Hampshire, United States. It is situated in the south-central part of the state, nestled within the picturesque Monadnock region. The town covers a total area of 35.8 square miles, of which 34.2 square miles is land and 1.6 square miles is water. The Contoocook River, one of the major rivers in the state, flows through the town.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Antrim, New Hampshire are approximately 43.03 degrees North latitude and 71.94 degrees West longitude.

    πŸ—ΊοΈ Region & Area

    Antrim is part of the Monadnock region, named after Mount Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the world. This region is known for its stunning natural beauty, including rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and dense forests. The town itself is located in Hillsborough County, which is in the southern part of New Hampshire.

    πŸ‘₯ Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Antrim had a population of 2,637 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 43.8 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, accounting for about 97% of the population, followed by Asian, African American, Native American, and other races.

    πŸ›οΈ History

    Antrim was first established in 1744 by a group of Scotch-Irish settlers and was incorporated as a town in 1778. The town was named after County Antrim in Northern Ireland, reflecting the heritage of the early settlers. Over the years, Antrim has maintained its small-town charm while evolving with the times. It was once a bustling mill town, with industries centered around the Contoocook River.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Antrim is blessed with a rich natural environment. The town is home to several parks, including the McCabe Forest and the Antrim Town Forest, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and fishing. The Contoocook River and numerous smaller streams provide habitats for a variety of wildlife.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Antrim is managed by the Contoocook Valley Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, the Antrim Elementary School. For middle and high school education, students attend the Great Brook School and ConVal Regional High School respectively, both located in the nearby town of Peterborough.

    🚧 Transportation

    Antrim is served by state routes 31 and 9, providing easy access to other parts of the state. The town does not have its own public transportation system, but residents can utilize the services of the Monadnock Region Transit Authority, which provides bus services to several towns and cities in the region. The nearest airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, located about 40 miles to the east.

    πŸ“œ Trivia & Events

    Antrim is known for its annual Home & Harvest Festival, a three-day event that celebrates the town’s community spirit and agricultural heritage. The festival features a parade, live music, craft vendors, and a variety of food options. An interesting fact about Antrim is that it was the home of the Great Brook Ski Touring Center, one of the first cross-country ski touring centers in the United States.


  • Keene, New Hampshire

    πŸ“ 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 42.9337Β° N latitude and 72.2782Β° W longitude.

    πŸ—ΊοΈ 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.

    πŸ‘₯ 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.

    πŸ›οΈ 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.

    πŸ“œ 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”.


  • Loudon, New Hampshire

    πŸ“ Location & Geography

    Loudon is a charming town located in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, United States. It is situated in the central part of the state and is characterized by its rolling hills and beautiful landscapes. The town covers a total area of 47.9 square miles, of which 47.6 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles is water. The Soucook River, a tributary of the Merrimack River, runs through the town.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Loudon, New Hampshire are approximately 43.29 degrees north latitude and 71.47 degrees west longitude.

    πŸ—ΊοΈ Region & Area

    Loudon is part of the Concord, NH Micropolitan Statistical Area, a smaller scale region within the larger Boston-Worcester-Providence, MA-RI-NH-CT Combined Statistical Area. The town’s postal ZIP code is 03307.

    πŸ‘₯ Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, the town of Loudon had a population of 5,317 people. The population density was 111.5 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was predominantly White with a small percentage of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in the town was 40.8 years.

    πŸ›οΈ History

    Loudon was originally incorporated in 1773 and was named after John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun, a Scottish nobleman who served as a British military officer during the French and Indian War. The town’s early economy was largely based on agriculture, with several mills operating along the Soucook River.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Loudon is known for its beautiful natural environment, featuring a mix of forests, rivers, and farmland. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Loudon Wildlife Management Area. The town also has several walking and hiking trails, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Loudon is managed by the Merrimack Valley School District. The town is served by Loudon Elementary School, which caters to students from kindergarten through fifth grade. For middle and high school, students attend Merrimack Valley Middle School and Merrimack Valley High School, both located in the nearby town of Penacook.

    🚧 Transportation

    Loudon is accessible via New Hampshire Route 106, which runs north-south through the town, and New Hampshire Route 129, which runs east-west. The nearest airport is Concord Municipal Airport, located approximately 10 miles to the west of Loudon.

    πŸ“œ Trivia & Events

    Loudon is home to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the largest sports and entertainment facility in New England. The Speedway hosts several major NASCAR and motorcycle races throughout the year, attracting thousands of visitors to the town. Additionally, Loudon holds an annual Old Home Day, a community celebration featuring a parade, fireworks, live music, and other family-friendly activities.