Plymouth, New Hampshire
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| Plymouth, New Hampshire | |
|---|---|
| Name | Plymouth |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New Hampshire |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Grafton |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | 1763 |
| Government type | Town meeting |
| Leader title | Select Board |
| Area total km2 | 69.0 |
| Area land km2 | 66.8 |
| Area water km2 | 2.2 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 6,990 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 43, 45, 26, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 03264 |
| Area code | 603 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 33-62660 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0873701 |
| Website | www.plymouth-nh.org |
Plymouth, New Hampshire is a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire and serves as the commercial and cultural hub for the Pemi-Baker Region. Settled in 1763 and named for Plymouth, Massachusetts, it is home to Plymouth State University, which anchors the community. The town is situated at the confluence of the Pemigewasset River and the Baker River, with the scenic White Mountain National Forest to the north.
History
The area was originally part of a Masonian grant known as the Baker's River Township, granted by colonial Governor Benning Wentworth. Early settlement was challenged by its remote location within the Province of New Hampshire and conflicts during the French and Indian War. The town was officially incorporated in 1763, with early industries including sawmills and gristmills powered by its rivers. In the 19th century, it became a stagecoach stop on the Meredith to Woodstock route and later a station on the Concord and Montreal Railroad, fostering growth. The founding of the Plymouth Normal School in 1871, which evolved into Plymouth State University, fundamentally shaped the community's identity. Historical figures like Daniel Webster practiced law at the Grafton County courthouse located here in the early 1800s.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 69.0 square kilometers, of which 66.8 square kilometers is land and 2.2 square kilometers is water. The town center lies in the Pemigewasset River valley, bordered by the Baker River and near the southern edge of the White Mountain National Forest. Prominent local geographic features include Tenney Mountain and the shores of Pemigewasset Lake. The Interstate 93 corridor runs along the western edge, providing a direct route to Boston and Franconia Notch. Adjacent towns include Holderness to the east, Campton to the north, and Rumney to the west.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 6,990. The population density was approximately 105 people per square kilometer. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations identifying as African American, Asian American, and Hispanic or Latino. The presence of Plymouth State University creates a significant demographic of college-aged residents and contributes to seasonal population fluctuations. The median household income has historically been slightly below the average for New Hampshire, influenced by the student population. Housing patterns include a dense village center and more rural residential areas in the outlying districts.
Education
Public education is managed by the Plymouth School District, operating Plymouth Elementary School, Plymouth Regional High School, and serving several surrounding towns. The town is best known as the home of Plymouth State University, a member of the University System of New Hampshire. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs and hosts cultural events like the Frost Place Conference on Poetry and the Plymouth State University Museum of the White Mountains. Other institutions include the Plymouth Regional Senior Center which offers lifelong learning programs. The Plymouth Public Library serves as a community resource and is part of the Grafton County library network.
Culture and recreation
The town hosts several annual events including the Plymouth Old Home Week celebration and the New Hampshire Music Festival summer concert series. The Silver Center for the Arts at Plymouth State University is a major regional venue for theater, music, and dance performances. Outdoor recreation is centered on the White Mountain National Forest, offering hiking on trails like those on Mount Moosilauke, skiing at Tenney Mountain, and water activities on the Pemigewasset River. The Plymouth Historical Society operates a museum in the former Grafton County courthouse. The downtown area features a mix of restaurants, shops, and the Plymouth Common, a central park.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the town include poet Robert Frost, who taught at the Plymouth Normal School early in his career. Astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American in space, was born here. Author and illustrator Tasha Tudor spent her later years in the area. Politician Henry W. Blair, a United States Senator and Representative, practiced law here. Baseball player Chris Carpenter, a Cy Young Award winner, attended Plymouth Regional High School. Educator and philosopher John Dewey also had early teaching connections to the town's normal school.
Category:Towns in Grafton County, New Hampshire Category:Plymouth, New Hampshire Category:Populated places established in 1763 Category:1763 establishments in New Hampshire