📍 Location & Geography
Rye is a town located in Rockingham County, in the U.S. state of New Hampshire. It is situated on the Atlantic coast and is the southernmost town in New Hampshire. The town is characterized by its scenic coastline and beautiful beaches, including Jenness Beach and Wallis Sands State Beach. The town also includes four of the nine islands known as the Isles of Shoals, which lie approximately 10 miles off the coast.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Rye, New Hampshire, are approximately 43.0 degrees north latitude and 70.7 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Rye is part of the Seacoast region of New Hampshire, a picturesque area known for its beautiful beaches and historic sites. The town covers an area of 35.5 square miles, of which 12.6 square miles is land and 22.9 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Rye was approximately 5,300. The town’s population is predominantly white, with a median age of 50 years. The gender distribution is roughly equal, with a slightly higher percentage of females.
🏛️ History
Rye was originally settled in 1623 and was incorporated as a town in 1726. It was initially a part of Portsmouth, one of the oldest towns in the U.S., and was known as Pannaway. The town was later renamed Rye in 1726 after Rye in Sussex, England, by English settlers. Rye has a rich maritime history and was once a popular destination for wealthy tourists during the Gilded Age.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Rye is known for its stunning natural beauty. The town boasts several beautiful beaches, marshlands, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. The Odiorne Point State Park, located in Rye, is a popular destination for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The park also houses the Seacoast Science Center, which offers environmental education programs and exhibits about the natural history of the region.
🏫 Education
Education in Rye is managed by the Rye School District, which operates two schools: Rye Elementary School and Rye Junior High School. For high school, students attend Portsmouth High School in the neighboring city of Portsmouth. The town is also in close proximity to several colleges and universities, including the University of New Hampshire.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Rye is primarily by car, with U.S. Route 1 serving as the town’s main thoroughfare. The town is approximately 60 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts, and is accessible via Interstate 95. The nearest airport is Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, located about 10 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Rye is home to several annual events, including the Rye Farmers Market and the Rye Art Study Group’s annual art show. The town is also the setting for the novel “The Hotel New Hampshire” by John Irving. Notably, Rye was the site of the first recorded UFO abduction case in the U.S., involving Betty and Barney Hill in 1961.