Community

About Amherst NH

The quaint town of Amherst is located in Hillsborough County in New Hampshire.

Originally Settled around 1733, it was first known as “Narragansett Number 3”, and then called “Souhegan Number 3”. In 1741, settlers formed the Congregational church and hired the first minister. The town was chartered on 18 January 1760 by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth

The town was named for General Lord Amherst, who commanded British forces in North America during the French and Indian War.

In 1770, Amherst became the county seat of Hillsborough County, primarily due to its location on the county’s major east-west road. The town continued to prosper through the Revolutionary War and beyond. In 1790, the southwestern section broke off to become the town of Milford, and in 1803, the northwest section become Mont Vernon. The county seat was moved to Milford in 1866.

The town population remained relatively stagnant until after World War II, when Amherst and many surrounding towns saw an influx of newcomers as they became part of the greater Boston region. The 2010 US Census reflected just over 11,000 residents in Amherst.

In 1982 the town village was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Amherst Village Historic District.

The historic village center of Amherst, New Hampshire is centered on the town’s common, which was established about 1755. Amherst Village is one of the best examples of a late-18th to early-19th century New England village center.

Here you will see the Congregational Church, built c. 1771-74, and is predominantly residential, with a large number of Federal, Georgian, and Greek Revival homes. Other notable buildings include the Farmer’s Bank, a Federal-style brick building built in 1806, and a brick Greek Revival structure known as The Amherst Brick School.

Amherst is home to Ponemah Bog Wildlife Sanctuary, a 75 acre sanctuary with a 3 acre pond and a trail that encourages locals to get out and enjoy nature.

Other great walking or hiking trails can be found at Hodgman State Forest and the Joe English Reservation.

Another natural asset is Baboosic Lake. The Baboosic Lake Town Beach is open only to Amherst Residents and their guests and Season Pass holders and their guests.  Guests are required to pay either the resident or the non-resident gate fee and must also be accompanied by an Amherst Resident or Season Pass holder for the duration of their visit.

All Residents are welcome to use the beach but must provide some form of proof of residency to gain access

The area is home to numerous golf courses, parks and walking trails

Along Route 101 you will find everything you need. Shopping, restaurants, entertainment, medical facilities and so much more.