📍 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 43.1° N latitude and 72.1° W longitude.
🗺️ 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.
👥 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.
🏛️ 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.
📜 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.