📍 Location & Geography
Somersworth is a city located in the county of Strafford, in the U.S. state of New Hampshire. It is situated along the Salmon Falls River, which forms the boundary between New Hampshire and Maine. The city is characterized by its hilly terrain, with the highest point being Prospect Hill, at an elevation of approximately 300 feet above sea level.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Somersworth, New Hampshire are approximately 43.2535° N latitude and 70.8904° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Somersworth is located in the southeastern part of New Hampshire, a region often referred to as the Seacoast region due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The city covers a total area of about 10 square miles, of which approximately 0.2 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Somersworth was estimated to be around 12,000 people. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of different ethnicities and age groups. The median age is 36.8 years. The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with slightly more females than males.
🏛️ History
Somersworth was first settled in 1729 as part of Dover, one of the oldest towns in New Hampshire. It was incorporated as a separate town in 1754 and was named after Somersetshire, a county in England. The town grew rapidly during the industrial revolution, with mills being established along the Salmon Falls River. In 1893, Somersworth was incorporated as a city.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Somersworth boasts a variety of natural attractions, including the Salmon Falls River and several parks. The city is home to Millennium Park, which features walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground. The city is also committed to environmental sustainability, with initiatives aimed at preserving its natural resources and reducing its carbon footprint.
🏫 Education
Education in Somersworth is managed by the Somersworth School District, which operates several schools in the city, including Somersworth High School, Somersworth Middle School, and a few elementary schools. For higher education, residents have access to nearby institutions such as the University of New Hampshire.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Somersworth is mainly facilitated by road, with Route 108 serving as the main thoroughfare through the city. The city is also served by COAST (Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation), which provides public bus service. The nearest airport is Portsmouth International Airport, located about 15 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Somersworth hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Hilltop Fun Center’s Family Fun Day and the Somersworth International Children’s Festival, which is one of the oldest and largest children’s festivals in New Hampshire. A fun fact about the city is that it was once known as “Great Falls” due to the impressive falls on the Salmon Falls River.