Washington, New Hampshire
Washington, New Hampshire, is a small town in the southwestern part of the state. Located in Sullivan County, this little town is home to just over 1000 people. Washington, NH, is a quiet, unassuming community surrounded by the natural beauty that is the scenic New Hampshire countryside. One visit to Washington will have you looking to purchase a home there.
The town of Washington was first created in 1735 as Monadnock Number Eight, one in a line of towns running down New Hampshire’s western edge designed to act as forts in an effort to defend against Native American attacks. No one settled the area, so it was regranted in 1751 by New Hampshire’s Governor Benning Wentworth. Named New Concord at the time, the area was still unsettled by those to whom it was granted, so soon thereafter a man by the name of Reuben Kidder acquired the grant and renamed it Camden. By 1768 several settlers had made Camden their home and within five years the town had over 130 residents. At the end of 1776, Camden residents petitioned the young American revolutionary government to incorporate their town and rename it Washington, in honor the Revolutionary War hero, General George Washington. The petition was granted and Washington, NH, became the first town to carry the future president’s name.
Inside of 60 years, the town of Washington, NH, had grown from 130 people to well over 1100. Streams provided enough water power to run mills and it wasn’t long before Washington became a major producer of lumber (including barrel staves, furniture and raw planks), bricks, washboards and textiles (mostly woolen). The area was rife with sheep farms producing both the wool for textiles and mutton for consumption.
By the mid-1800’s, the railroad came to Washington and with it came tourists to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of western New Hampshire. Soon hotels and cottages were constructed on the shores of the small lakes that dot the area. However, Washington as a resort town was short-lived as the railroad began bringing people further north into the White Mountains to other, more popular resorts and attractions. The town’s population diminished and by 1960 there were barely over 150 people living there.
Today, though, Washington attracts families who enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty this region of the state offers. Washington itself has little business to speak of, but a short drive up the road will bring you to Claremont, or down the road to Keene. Both of those cities are considerably larger than Washington and can provide most anything you could need or want.
Washington, NH, is a member of School Administrative Unit #34 and maintains its own elementary school, Washington Elementary. All other students are tuitioned to the Hillsboro-Deering Cooperative and attend both the Hillsboro-Deering Middle School and High School.
Washington is a great place to visit, but an even better place to live. If you’ve ever wanted to buy a home somewhere that’s “away from it all”, Washington may be the town for you. To find out, you should call Jim Miller Bean Group at (603) 801-3987. Jim wants to be your NH buyer agent and promises to act only on your behalf and only in your best interest. Jim knows the Granite State, the communities within and the people who live here like few others. Call him today and see how easy it can be to become a part of the big, happy New Hampshire family.
Washington Elementary School (k-5)
(603) 495-3463
Hillsboro-Deering Middle School (6-8)
(603) 464-1120
Hillsboro-Deering High School (9-12)
(603) 464-1130