Rockingham County, New Hampshire

Rockingham County, New Hampshire
County	Rockingham County
State	New Hampshire
Founded	1769
Seat	Brentwood
Largest city	Derry
Area total sq mi	794
Population as of	2020
Population total	314,176

Rockingham County, New Hampshire is a county located in the United States state of New Hampshire, with its county seat in Brentwood. The county is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area and is home to several notable cities, including Derry, Salem, and Portsmouth. The county is also close to the White Mountains and the Merrimack River, which offer various recreational activities, such as hiking and fishing, at places like Pawtuckaway State Park and Bear Brook State Park.

Geography

Rockingham County is situated in the southeastern part of New Hampshire, bordering Essex County, Massachusetts to the south, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire to the west, Merrimack County, New Hampshire to the northwest, and Strafford County, New Hampshire to the north. The county's terrain is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and coastal plains, with notable features like the Isles of Shoals and the Great Bay. The county is also home to several lakes, including Massabesic Lake and Northwood Lake, which are popular for boating and fishing, and are connected to the Merrimack River via the Exeter River and the Lamprey River.

History

The area that is now Rockingham County was originally inhabited by the Pennacook and Abenaki Native American tribes, who had interactions with early European explorers like John Smith and Christopher Levett. The county was established in 1769 and was named after Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham, a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. During the American Revolution, the county played a significant role, with notable events like the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Saratoga Campaign taking place nearby, involving figures like George Washington, John Adams, and Paul Revere. The county was also home to several notable historical figures, including Robert Rogers, who founded Rogers' Rangers, and John Parker, who led the Lexington militia during the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Rockingham County was approximately 314,176 people, with a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and occupations. The county is home to several notable institutions, including Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter Hospital, and the University of New Hampshire, which attract people from nearby cities like Manchester, New Hampshire, Nashua, New Hampshire, and Lawrence, Massachusetts. The county's population is also influenced by its proximity to major cities like Boston, Massachusetts, Portland, Maine, and Providence, Rhode Island, which are connected by highways like Interstate 93 and U.S. Route 1.

Government

Rockingham County is governed by a board of commissioners, who are responsible for overseeing the county's administration, finances, and services. The county is also part of the New Hampshire General Court, which is the state's legislative body, and is represented by several notable politicians, including Chris Sununu, the current Governor of New Hampshire, and Jeanne Shaheen, a United States Senator from New Hampshire. The county's government is also influenced by its membership in regional organizations like the New England Council and the National Association of Counties.

Economy

The economy of Rockingham County is diverse, with major industries like healthcare, technology, and manufacturing playing significant roles. The county is home to several major employers, including Liberty Mutual, Fidelity Investments, and BAE Systems, which have operations in nearby cities like Bedford, New Hampshire, Merrimack, New Hampshire, and Nashua, New Hampshire. The county's economy is also influenced by its proximity to major transportation hubs like Logan International Airport and the Port of Boston, which are connected by highways like Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 3.

Education

Rockingham County is served by several school districts, including the Salem School District, the Derry School District, and the Exeter Region Cooperative School District. The county is also home to several institutions of higher education, including Southern New Hampshire University, Granite State College, and the University of New Hampshire, which offer a range of academic programs and have partnerships with nearby organizations like the New Hampshire Institute of Art and the Currier Museum of Art. The county's education system is also influenced by its membership in regional organizations like the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the National Education Association.

Category:Counties of New Hampshire