Walking Tour of Hampton

Gazebo

In May, we took a walking tour of Hampton, NH with the Hampton Historical Society.

Town Seal

Europeans first called the area Winnacunnet Plantation in 1638, but it was renamed Hampton in 1639.

Lane Memorial Library
Built in 1910

The area supported a small village of farmers and fishermen thanks to extensive salt marshes which were great for grazing or making hay, and plentiful cod.

First Congregational Church
Founded in 1638 Built this church in 1844

The town did not have a deep water port, or much river power, so it did not develop an economy based on shipping or mills like so many other towns in the Seacoast.

Hampton Academy
Incorporated in 1818
Built this school in 1940

Many of the buildings in Hampton were moved as the downtown area shifted with the arrival of trolleys and railroads. Before electric wires, it was fairly common to move buildings.

What's that above the doorway?

A Gargoyle!

Faith Community Advent Christian Church
Built in 1871
Address:

Hampton is known today for its beaches. Tourism in Hampton began in 1840 when the railroad arrived.

It was interesting to visit a local town that has developed differently from many of the towns that had mills and developed along a more industrial path. Even small differences in geography can make big differences in how an area develops.