National Register Listing

Contoocook Mills Industrial District

a.k.a. George Little's Mill;Marcy Mills;Smith Mills;See Also:Contoo

Between Mill St. and Contoocook River, Hillsborough, NH
Local significance of the district:
Industry; Commerce; Historic - Non-aboriginal; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The first American astronaut to walk in space, Ed White, was born in San Antonio, Texas, but grew up in North Conway, New Hampshire.
New Hampshire random facts
Hillsborough County, New Hampshire has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1769. Named after Wills Hill, the Earl of Hillsborough and colonial secretary, the county originally encompassed a large portion of present-day southern New Hampshire. In its early days, Hillsborough County was primarily a rural farming community, with agriculture serving as the backbone of its economy.

During the American Revolution, Hillsborough County played a significant role. Many local residents joined the fight for independence and participated in key battles, including the Battle of Bunker Hill. The town of Hillsborough itself served as a key supply center for the Continental Army. Following the war, the county experienced a period of growth and development, with the construction of mills and the expansion of trade along the Merrimack River.

The mid-19th century brought further changes to Hillsborough County as industrialization gained momentum. Nashua, the county's largest city, became an industrial hub, with the production of textiles, shoes, and machinery fueling its economy. The construction of railroads further accelerated industrial growth and facilitated the transportation of goods across the region.

In the 20th century, Hillsborough County continued to evolve. The county's population increased, and suburbanization became a prevalent trend. Cities like Manchester and Nashua developed into thriving metropolitan areas, while small towns retained their rural character. Today, Hillsborough County remains a vibrant and diverse region, combining historical significance with a modern way of life.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.

  • 1769: Hillsborough County is established in the Province of New Hampshire.
  • 1771: The county seat is established in Amherst.
  • 1769-1775: The county experiences significant growth and development.
  • 1776-1781: Hillsborough County is heavily involved in the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1781: The county seat is moved from Amherst to Hillsborough.
  • 19th century: Hillsborough County becomes a center for manufacturing and industrialization.
  • 1823: The city of Manchester is incorporated.
  • 1846: The first railroad line reaches Hillsborough County.
  • 1846-1880s: The county experiences a boom in the textile industry.
  • 20th century: Hillsborough County undergoes urbanization and economic diversification.
  • 1972: The Amoskeag Mills, once the largest textile factory in the world, closes.
  • 1990s-present: Hillsborough County becomes a hub for technology, healthcare, and education.