Gilsum, New Hampshire
Rolling hills and stunning natural beauty surrounds the tiny New Hampshire town of Gilsum. With barely over 800 residents in town, Gilsum is one of the smallest incorporated southern towns in the Granite State. With copious amounts of both breathing room and elbowroom, Gilsum is THE place to live if you’re one of the many out there looking for some modicum of privacy. Gilsum gives you this privacy in spades and offers so much more.
Originally granted by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth in 1752, the land that was to become Gilsum was first named “Boyle”, after Richard Boyle, Earl of Burlington. Settled and incorporated shortly after a 1763 land survey, one of the first settlers, a prominent sea captain from Connecticut named Samuel Gilbert, became the town’s first moderator. Another prominent family in town was the Sumners, so the combined name “Gilsum” was eventually offered to the town and accepted in both families’ honor.
Gilsum grew slowly over the years. Sufficient waterpower allowed several mills to spring up, producing mostly woolen goods. Several mines were developed in the area supplying much-needed mica, for windows and heat resistance, and feldspar, used in the making of ceramics. Several high-quality types of crystals, such as quartz, tourmaline and beryl, were discovered in the area as well, but unfortunately not enough to catalyze a population explosion. Today there are few businesses in town and most of the population commutes to work in neighboring communities.
Southwestern New Hampshire is well known for its scenic vistas and breathtaking beauty. Set just two towns over from the Vermont border, a trip to visit the Green Mountains is only a short drive west. New Hampshire’s own White Mountain National Forest is just over an hour north while the beautiful Atlantic seacoast is about the same distance east. Few states allow you the freedom to see the mountains in the morning and the ocean in the afternoon in quite the way New Hampshire does.
The tiny town of Gilsum operates its own elementary school within SAU #38. It is a member of the Monadnock Regional Cooperative School District, along with the nearby towns of Richmond, Roxbury, Sullivan, Surry, Swanzey and Troy. With less than 60 children in the Gilsum Elementary School, there are no current plans to expand the school system within the town.
“Small” doesn’t begin to describe the close-knit community of Gilsum. Expect to be welcomed with open arms and know that your family will increase by about 800 people when you move to Gilsum. A tiny community with a big heart, Gilsum is waiting here for you to find it. The best way to do so is to call Jim Miller Bean Group at (603) 801-3987. Jim has all the latest MLS and knows the homes for sale in southern NH. Call today and find out why more and more people are making the state of New Hampshire their home.
Gilsum Elementary School (k-6)
(603) 352-2226
Monadnock Regional Middle School (5-8)
(603) 352-6575
Monadnock Regional High School (9-12)
(603) 352-6575