Exeter, New Hampshire
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| Exeter, New Hampshire | |
|---|---|
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| Name | Exeter, New Hampshire |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Nickname | The Capital of the Piscataqua |
| Pushpin label | Exeter |
| Coordinates | 42, 58, 53, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New Hampshire |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Rockingham |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1638 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | 1639 |
| Government type | Town meeting |
| Leader title | Select Board |
| Leader name | Niko Papakonstantis (Chair), Molly Cowan, Courtney R. Rizzo Kennedy, Caitlyn T. G. Rameaka, David R. Moore |
| Area total km2 | 51.9 |
| Area total sq mi | 20.0 |
| Area land km2 | 49.8 |
| Area land sq mi | 19.2 |
| Area water km2 | 2.1 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.8 |
| Elevation ft | 26 |
| Population total | 16148 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 324.3 |
| Population density sq mi | 840.0 |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 03833 |
| Area code | 603 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 33-25380 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0873593 |
| Website | www.exeternh.gov |
Exeter, New Hampshire is a historic New England town and the county seat of Rockingham County. Situated along the tidal Squamscott River, it was a significant early colonial settlement and later a center for the American Revolution. The town is home to the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy and retains a vibrant downtown with numerous 18th-century buildings.
History
The area was originally the domain of the Pennacook people, specifically the Squamscott band. In 1638, the Reverend John Wheelwright, exiled from the Massachusetts Bay Colony following the Antinomian Controversy, purchased the land and established the settlement, naming it after the city in England. Exeter functioned as an independent republic for a brief period, adopting the Exeter Compact before coming under the jurisdiction of the Province of New Hampshire. It served as the state's capital from 1775 to 1784, hosting the New Hampshire Provincial Congress and where the state constitution was ratified in 1783. The town was a hub of revolutionary activity; the Exeter Militia mustered here, and the Exeter Powder House stored vital munitions. During the 19th century, it became a major center for the water-powered textile industry, with mills operated by the Exeter Manufacturing Company and others lining the river.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 20.0 square miles, of which 19.2 square miles is land and 0.8 square miles is water, primarily the Squamscott River and its tributaries. The river is tidal and navigable, flowing southeast to the Great Bay and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean. Exeter borders the towns of Brentwood, East Kingston, Kensington, Kingston, Newfields, and Stratham. The terrain is a mix of rolling hills, river plains, and forested areas, with significant wetlands along the Exeter River corridor.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 16,148. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing communities of Asian, Hispanic or Latino, and multiracial residents. The town is characterized by a mix of long-term families, professionals commuting to the Boston metropolitan area, and students and faculty associated with Phillips Exeter Academy. The median household income is above the state average, and a significant proportion of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Economy
Exeter's economy has evolved from its historical base in textile manufacturing and shipbuilding to a diverse mix of healthcare, education, technology, and retail. Major employers include Exeter Hospital, a key regional medical center, and Phillips Exeter Academy. The downtown area features a variety of independent shops, restaurants, and professional services. Light industry and technology firms are located in business parks, and the town benefits from tourism related to its historic sites, such as the American Independence Museum and the Gilman Garrison House.
Culture and recreation
The town hosts numerous cultural institutions, including the Exeter Historical Society and the American Independence Museum, which is housed in the Ladd-Gilman House and the Folsom Tavern and holds one of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence. The Ioka Theater, a historic downtown venue, offers film and live performances. Annual events include the Exeter Revolutionary War Festival and the Exeter Holiday Parade. Recreational facilities are extensive, featuring the Exeter River, the Exeter Recreation Park, and the Squamscott River for boating and fishing, along with several conserved properties like the Exeter Conservation Commission's trail network.
Government
Exeter operates under the Town meeting form of government with an elected Board of Selectmen serving as the executive body. An appointed Town Manager oversees daily administrative operations. The town is part of New Hampshire's 1st congressional district and is represented in the New Hampshire Senate and the New Hampshire House of Representatives. Local services include a professional Police Department, the Exeter Fire Department, and a public works department. The town is also a member of the Exeter Region Cooperative School District, serving several surrounding communities.
Category:Towns in New Hampshire Category:Rockingham County, New Hampshire Category:1639 establishments in New Hampshire Category:Populated places established in 1639