National Register Listing

Webster, Daniel, Family Home

a.k.a. The Elms

S. Main St., West Franklin, NH
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of New Hampshire.
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, located on the Piscataqua River in Kittery, Maine, was established in 1800 and has built and repaired many of the U.S. Navy's ships.
New Hampshire random facts
Merrimack County, located in the state of New Hampshire, has a rich history that dates back to the founding of the United States. The county was officially established in 1823 and is named after the Merrimack River, which flows through it. Prior to its establishment, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Pennacook and Abenaki peoples.

During the colonial era, European settlers built towns and villages along the Merrimack River, attracted by its fertile land and access to water transportation. Concord, the county seat and state capital, was founded in 1725 and became an important political and economic center in the region. It played a vital role during the American Revolution as the site of the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, which marked the beginning of the war.

In the 19th century, Merrimack County experienced significant industrialization and economic growth. The construction of canals and railroads connected the county to national markets, leading to the expansion of manufacturing industries, including textiles, paper mills, and granite quarries. The city of Franklin, known as the "Granite Capital of the World," became a major center for granite production, supplying materials for iconic structures like the Library of Congress and the Brooklyn Bridge.

In the 20th century, Merrimack County continued to develop its industrial and agricultural sectors. The Great Depression had a significant impact on the area, but it rebounded with the growth of defense-related industries during World War II. The county also saw advancements in education and culture, with the establishment of colleges, museums, and cultural organizations.

Today, Merrimack County remains an important hub of commerce, government, and culture in New Hampshire. Its historical significance, natural beauty, and vibrant communities make it a unique and desirable place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Merrimack County, New Hampshire.

  • 1765: Merrimack County is established as one of the five original counties in New Hampshire.
  • 1769: The county seat is established in the town of Salisbury.
  • 1772: The county seat is moved to the newly established town of Boscawen.
  • 1791: The county seat is transferred to Concord.
  • 1823: The county courthouse is built in Concord.
  • 1841: The Merrimack County Agricultural Society is founded.
  • 1846: The Merrimack County Savings Bank is established.
  • 1849: The Northern Railroad is completed, running through Merrimack County.
  • 1866: The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is organized in Concord.
  • 1889: The state prison is relocated to Concord.
  • 1893: The New Hampshire Historical Society is founded in Concord.
  • 1901: The county courthouse in Concord is destroyed by fire.
  • 1903: A new county courthouse is built in Concord.
  • 1907: The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is formed in Concord.
  • 1941: The Mount Sunapee Resort opens in Newbury.
  • 1968: Merrimack Valley High School is established in Penacook.