Ashland is the name of a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire,
New England. The US The Census Bureau recorded a population of
1,938 as of the 2020 census.
Ashland was elected at the
suggestion of a former Assistant Sargent-at-Arms (sic) serving
as such in Washington, D.C. at the time of Henry Clay. served.
Ashland is the name of Clay's Kentucky estate.
Squam River Covered Bridge
This iconic wooden bridge spans the
Squam River at the outlet of Little Squam Lake, serving as a picturesque
gateway to Ashland's scenic waterways. Built in 1990 by master
bridgewright Milton Graton and his sons, it replaced a condemned steel
and concrete structure from earlier decades. The bridge measures 61 feet
long with a clear span of 25 feet 9 inches, an overall width of 23 feet
6 inches, and a roadway width of 14 feet, allowing for one lane of
vehicle traffic and a dedicated pedestrian walkway on the Little Squam
side. Constructed in traditional lattice style without welding, it was
funded through community efforts, including fundraisers and private
donations, totaling $200,000—partially from a $35,000 town allocation.
Teams of oxen famously pulled the bridge into place during construction.
Posted for a 10-ton weight limit, it's a symbol of local pride and one
of New Hampshire's newer covered bridges, designed to evoke the state's
historic engineering heritage. Visitors can walk or drive across for
free, enjoying views of the river and lake—ideal for photography,
especially in fall foliage season. It's easily accessible from Route 3,
with no dedicated parking, so pull over carefully. Nearby, kayakers
often paddle under it for a unique perspective from the water.
Ashland Railroad Station Museum
Housed in a beautifully preserved
19th-century depot at 69 Depot Street, this museum highlights Ashland's
pivotal role in New England's railroad history. Originally built around
1869 by the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad, it was relocated and
remodeled in 1891 by the Concord & Montreal Railroad, giving it its
current Victorian-style appearance with board-and-batten siding and a
gabled roof. The station served passengers until 1960, after which it
fell into private hands before being donated to the Ashland Historical
Society in 1980 by Vera Curley. A major restoration from 1997-1998,
funded by federal transportation grants, transformed it into a museum
while retaining original features like the waiting rooms and agent's
office. Inside, exhibits include railroad artifacts, photographs,
documents, and a model layout depicting the station circa 1893.
Activities focus on self-guided tours (donations appreciated), with
occasional stops by the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad during fall
foliage tours. Open seasonally (check website for hours), it's a must
for history buffs, offering insights into how railroads shaped Ashland's
economy and connectivity. The site is ADA-accessible and located near
Route 132.
Whipple House Museum
Located at 14 Pleasant Street,
this 1837 brick Cape-style house is a well-preserved example of
mid-19th-century New England architecture and serves as the Ashland
Historical Society's flagship museum. Built by Obadiah Smith, it was
home to five generations of the Whipple family for 133 years, most
notably as the birthplace and childhood residence of Dr. George Hoyt
Whipple (1878-1976), who won the 1934 Nobel Prize in Physiology or
Medicine for his work on pernicious anemia treatments. Donated to the
town in 1970 by Whipple himself, the 12-room structure features
exceptional craftsmanship, including dual kitchen fireplaces with
built-in ovens and laundry kettles, reflecting its original two-family
design. Exhibits include displays on Whipple's life and achievements,
family artifacts, local Ashland history, and period rooms like a
Victorian bedroom and children's room. The upper hallway and archives
room offer deeper dives into regional lore. Open seasonally
(July-September, donations suggested), visitors can enjoy guided or
self-paced tours, often paired with the adjacent Pauline E. Glidden Toy
Museum. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making
it a key site for understanding Ashland's medical and familial heritage.
Pauline E. Glidden Toy Museum
Adjacent to the Whipple House at 49
Main Street, this charming museum occupies a circa 1810 plank-frame Cape
house, one of New Hampshire's few surviving examples of this early
style. Founded in 1982 by local collector Pauline E. Glidden (who passed
in 2002 at age 98), it was donated to the Ashland Historical Society
after her death. The collection spans five rooms, showcasing antique
toys, dolls, children's books, games, and mechanical items from the 19th
and 20th centuries, alongside local history displays like a kitchen
setup and schoolroom. Activities include self-guided tours (open
Thursdays in summer, donations appreciated), where visitors can explore
themed rooms evoking childhood nostalgia. It's family-friendly, with
educational insights into toy evolution and Ashland's past. The museum's
intimate scale makes it a quick yet delightful stop, often combined with
Whipple House visits.
Riveredge Marina
Overlooking Little
Squam Lake at 283 River Street, this full-service marina is Ashland's
hub for water-based adventures. Established in 2006 but building on a
long history at the site, it's the largest on the Squam Lakes system,
offering boat rentals (pontoons, kayaks, canoes), sales, repairs, a ship
store with watersports gear, fuel docks, slips, and a clubhouse with
lake views. Activities abound: launch your boat for fishing or cruising,
rent equipment for paddleboarding or tubing, or join guided tours. It's
pet-friendly and accessible, with easy access to both Little and Big
Squam Lakes via the channel. Open daily in season, it's perfect for
families or groups seeking lakeside relaxation.
Bernsen Gallery
Tucked in a restored 1850s Boston & Maine railroad freight depot at 72
Depot Street, this unique gallery showcases the work of artist Bill
Bernsen, who has lived and created here since 1980. Bernsen specializes
in whimsical sculptures assembled from reclaimed industrial and
agricultural artifacts—like old farm tools and manufacturing
remnants—without welding, embodying Yankee ingenuity ("Use it up, wear
it out, make it do or do without"). The space doubles as his home,
studio, and exhibition area, offering free entry to browse and purchase
pieces. Activities include artist talks or workshops (check schedule),
making it a creative haven for art lovers amid Ashland's historical
backdrop.
White Mountain Brewing Company
At 50 Winter Street,
this brewpub, founded in 2015, is a lively spot for craft beer
enthusiasts. Owner Dave Gormley turned his homebrewing passion into a
community gathering place, offering 10 rotating taps of award-winning
beers like IPAs, stouts, and seasonals, alongside pub fare such as smash
burgers, chili, and pizzas. Activities include tastings, trivia
Thursdays, live music weekends, and joining the Mug Club for perks. Open
Wednesday-Sunday, it's rustic and welcoming, with outdoor seating—ideal
for après-hike relaxation.
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
This
Gothic Revival gem at 18 Highland Street, completed in 1859, is
Ashland's oldest church building. Organized in 1855, it features pointed
arches, stained glass, and a simple yet elegant interior, reflecting
mid-19th-century ecclesiastical design by New York architect J. Coleman
Hart. Part of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire, it hosts Sunday
services (9:30 a.m.) and community events. Visitors can admire the
architecture or attend for a peaceful reflection; it's on the National
Register of Historic Places.
Whitten Woods Trailhead
Accessed
off Highland Street, this trailhead leads into the 577-acre Whitten
Woods Community Forest, conserved for recreation and named after local
legend Reuben Whitten, who aided neighbors during the 1816 "year without
a summer." Managed cooperatively, it features over 2 miles of
well-graded trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and
mountain biking (new trails added in 2022). Key routes include the
1-mile climb to South Peak (1,134 ft) for panoramic Squam Lake views, or
the North Peak Loop for forested summits. Free entry, dog-friendly
(leashed), with a small parking lot—perfect for all skill levels,
especially in winter.
Little Squam Lake
This 408-acre gem
borders Ashland and Holderness, connected to larger Squam Lake via a
channel. Spring-fed with depths up to 84 feet, it's crystal-clear and
supports diverse fish like trout, salmon, and bass. Activities include
fishing (license required), boating from Riveredge Marina,
kayaking/canoeing to explore coves, swimming at public beaches, and
wildlife watching (loons, eagles). Water levels are dam-managed for
stability. It's quieter than Winnipesaukee, ideal for serene outings.
Ashland is a small town in central New Hampshire, located in Grafton
County within the Lakes Region. It's situated at the junction of U.S.
Route 3, New Hampshire Route 25, and New Hampshire Route 132.
By
Car
Ashland is easily accessible by road, especially via Interstate
93 (I-93), which runs north-south through New Hampshire.
From the
south (e.g., Boston or Manchester, NH): Take I-93 north to Exit 24
(Ashland/Plymouth), then follow U.S. Route 3 north for a short distance
into town.
From the north (e.g., White Mountains): Take I-93 south to
Exit 24, then U.S. Route 3 north.
General tips: Expect scenic but
potentially winding roads in rural areas. Check for traffic or weather
updates, as winter conditions can affect mountain passes. Driving times
vary; from Boston, it's about 2 hours (97 miles).
By Plane
There are no commercial airports in Ashland itself, but several regional
options nearby. From the airport, you'll typically need a rental car,
taxi, or bus to complete the trip.
Lebanon Municipal Airport
(LEB): Closest at 34.5 miles; drive takes ~1 hour 20 minutes (cost
~$10–14 for gas).
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT): 54 miles;
~1 hour drive or 2 hours 48 minutes by bus (cost ~$59–85).
Boston
Logan International Airport (BOS): 97.5 miles; ~2 hours drive or 3 hours
43 minutes by bus via Concord, NH, and Plymouth (cost ~$64–88).
Other
options: Portland (PWM) at 66.5 miles or Burlington (BTV) at 93 miles,
both with bus connections taking 4–6 hours. Search for flights on sites
like Expedia for deals.
By Bus
Bus services are available
through providers like Concord Coach Lines, Greyhound, or local
shuttles, often routing through nearby Plymouth or Concord, NH.
From Boston: Take a bus to Plymouth (via Concord), then a short taxi or
local ride to Ashland (~3–4 hours total).
From Manchester, NH: Bus
via Concord to Plymouth, then to Ashland (~2 hours 28 minutes).
Book
tickets on BusTickets.com, Wanderu, or Greyhound for affordable options.
Local services like Lakes Region Airport Shuttle or Town Taxi can help
with last-mile transport.
By Train
New Hampshire has limited
Amtrak service, and there's no direct train station in Ashland. The
closest Amtrak stops are in White River Junction, VT (~50 miles away) or
Boston. From there, transfer to a bus or rental car. Use Amtrak's
website to check routes like the Vermonter, then connect via bus.
Ashland, a small town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, with a
population of around 2,000, sits nestled in the Lakes Region near Squam
Lake and the White Mountains. Founded in the late 18th century and
incorporated in 1868, it has a history tied to railroads, mills, and
tourism. While not as infamous for hauntings as larger New England
locales like Salem, Massachusetts, Ashland harbors its share of eerie
tales, primarily centered on historic buildings and tragic events from
the 19th century. These legends often blend verified historical
incidents with folklore, amplified by paranormal investigations and
local storytelling. The town's proximity to train tracks and its
industrial past contribute to themes of sudden death and unrest.
Stone's Public House: Ashland's Most Notorious Haunted Site
One of
Ashland's premier haunted legends revolves around Stone's Public House,
a historic building at 179 Main Street that now operates as a restaurant
and inn. Constructed in 1832 by a wealthy landowner named Herbert
George, it was originally intended as an inn to cater to railroad
travelers, given its location adjacent to the Boston, Concord & Montreal
Railroad tracks. The venture failed quickly due to the incessant noise
and vibrations from passing trains, which rattled the structure and
deterred guests. Over the years, it served various purposes, including
as a private residence and a family-friendly restaurant, before being
restored in the 1970s and reopening under its current name in 1984. The
building retains much of its original character, with exposed beams,
antique wallpaper on the third floor, and small "flop rooms" (basic
sleeping quarters) that lack modern electricity.
The hauntings at
Stone's are well-documented through local lore, witness accounts, and
even paranormal investigations featured on shows like Chronicle on
WCVB-TV. The legends stem from tragic deaths and shadowy events tied to
the property's railroad-era history. Here's a breakdown of the key
spirits and phenomena:
The Ghost of Mary Smith (The Little Girl
in the White Dress): Perhaps the most poignant legend involves
10-year-old Mary J. Smith, who was fatally struck by a train on June 11,
1863, just outside the building. She was brought inside, where she
succumbed to her injuries. Her spirit is said to linger on the second
floor, manifesting as playful yet eerie activity. Witnesses, including
staff and guests, report hearing a young girl giggling, running
footsteps, and the sound of a ball bouncing down stairs or
hallways—often with no visible source. One account from the 1980s-1990s
describes a waitress discovering a crumpled white child's dress stained
with red (possibly blood) in a storage area; removing it triggered
unexplained disturbances like objects moving on their own, which ceased
only when the dress was returned. Mary's apparition has been spotted
peering out of second-floor windows, and some feel a sudden chill or
sense of childlike curiosity in her presence. The dress is now kept in a
secure spot within the building, adding to the site's mystique.
The
Spirit of Sadie: Another young female ghost, often conflated with Mary
in some retellings, is Sadie—a girl said to have died tragically in the
building during its early days. Her presence is linked to sightings of a
spectral child walking the halls or playing in empty rooms. Paranormal
enthusiasts speculate she may be connected to the railroad accidents
that plagued the area, though historical records are sparse.
The
Legend of the Deadly Poker Game and John Stone: A darker tale involves
Captain John Stone, who briefly owned and operated the property as "The
Railroad House" in 1834 after a grand opening tied to the railroad's
arrival. Legend claims that during a stormy night, a group of men
(possibly including Stone) played poker on the second floor. When one
player was caught cheating, a violent altercation ensued, culminating in
the cheater being shot and killed. The body was allegedly buried in the
basement or on the grounds to cover up the crime. No contemporary
records confirm this event—Stone was a devout Evangelical Baptist
unlikely to gamble, and he owned the inn for only a year—but it persists
in folklore. John Stone's ghost is blamed for mischievous acts like
leaving $20 tips behind the bar after closing, relocating tools (e.g.,
hammers appearing in odd places), and electronic voice phenomena (EVPs)
captured during investigations, where voices say "Leave," "My name is
John Stone," or similar phrases. Lights flicker, ghostly images appear
in photos, and a sense of unease lingers in the basement.
Other
Paranormal Activity: General reports include cold spots, doors slamming,
objects flying across rooms, and apparitions of shadowy figures. The
second floor, site of the alleged poker game, is a hotspot for activity.
Previous owners like Cappy Fournier consulted mediums to communicate
with spirits, and the current management embraces the reputation,
hosting events and tours. Guests have reported hearing whispers or
feeling watched, especially at night.
Stone's Public House stands
as a testament to Ashland's haunted heritage, blending tragedy with the
town's railroad roots.
Other haunted legends in Ashland are
scarcer and more anecdotal. Broader New Hampshire folklore, like witch
trials in nearby areas (e.g., the Witch of New Hampton), occasionally
spills over, but no verified witch-related stories are tied directly to
Ashland NH. Some locals whisper about apparitions in the Ashland Town
Forest, possibly linked to old settlements, but these lack
substantiation.
Abandoned Places in Ashland, New Hampshire
Ashland's abandoned sites are modest compared to urban decay elsewhere,
reflecting its rural character. Many stem from defunct industries,
failed businesses, or natural reclamation. Exploration should respect
private property and safety—some areas are on public land but require
caution due to terrain.
Devil's Den Cave and Surrounding
Homestead Forest Remnants
Located in the Homestead Forest off Winona
Road, Devil's Den is a talus cave formed by glacial boulders piled over
millennia, creating narrow crawl spaces and gaps. Access involves a
2.5-mile hike via Lambert Road (often muddy) and trails like Gibban and
Devil's Den Trail, with some bushwhacking required. The cave itself is
small—more a rocky overhang than a deep cavern—and unmarked, though
noted on trail maps. Nearby, the forest holds abandoned relics from
1800s farms: crumbling barn foundations, rusty vehicles (some with
wooden-spoked wheels), and scattered artifacts like an old scythe in a
dumping ground. These remnants evoke a forgotten agrarian past, as farms
were abandoned when families moved away or land was reclaimed by nature.
No major legends haunt Devil's Den specifically, but its name and
isolated, shadowy interior lend an eerie atmosphere, especially during
solitary hikes. It's part of New Hampshire's broader network of boulder
caves, often dubbed "Devil's Den" in folklore for their mysterious
formations.
Abandoned NH Liquor Store
An old New Hampshire
Liquor & Wine Outlet on Route 3 (near I-93) stands abandoned, as
captured in urban exploration videos from 2023. Once part of the state's
network of 67 outlets (known for tax-free sales and awards like "Best
state for wine drinkers"), this location shuttered, leaving behind a
vacant building with boarded windows and overgrown lots. Its history
ties to NH's state-controlled liquor system, established
post-Prohibition, but specifics on closure are unclear—possibly due to
consolidation or low traffic. Explorers note dusty interiors visible
through doors, evoking mid-20th-century roadside commerce. It's not
officially haunted but fits the archetype of forgotten infrastructure in
small-town NH.
Remnants of the I-93 Drive-In/Diner
Near the
interstate, the last remnants of an old drive-in theater and diner
complex linger as abandoned ruins. Built mid-20th century, the site
featured a diner and outdoor movie screen but sat vacant for years
before partial demolition. Today, scattered foundations and debris mark
the spot, reclaimed by vegetation. Local discussions on social media
speculate it resembles the "Gilmanton Town Pound" in appearance, but
it's tied to Ashland's highway-era tourism boom and bust. No major
legends, but its isolation invites tales of transient ghosts from
travelers past.
Ashland's abandoned spots are subtle, often blending
into the landscape rather than standing as grand ruins. For more,
resources like Abandoned New Hampshire by Michael Petipas document
similar sites statewide. If venturing out, check trail maps and respect
no-trespassing signs to avoid risks.
Ashland is a small town situated in Grafton County, New Hampshire, positioned near the geographical center of the state. It lies in the Lakes Region, at the foothills of the White Mountains, and serves as a gateway to this scenic area. The town is located on the southern edge of the White Mountain National Forest, providing access to extensive forested lands and outdoor recreational opportunities. Ashland is bordered on the west by the Pemigewasset River and is entirely within the Merrimack River watershed. The main village area, designated as the Ashland Census-Designated Place (CDP), is centered at the junction of U.S. Route 3, New Hampshire Route 25, and New Hampshire Route 132, with the Squam River flowing through it, dropping approximately 50 feet (15 meters) in elevation. The town is well-connected by transportation infrastructure, including Interstate 93, U.S. Route 3, and state routes 25, 132, and 175.
Ashland encompasses a total area of approximately 11.8 square miles (30.5 square kilometers), of which 11.2 square miles (29.1 square kilometers) is land and 0.54 square miles (1.4 square kilometers) is inland water, accounting for about 4.63% of the total area. This water component includes rivers, brooks, and portions of lakes, contributing to the town's picturesque and resource-rich landscape. The land is predominantly forested and hilly, with a mix of residential, commercial, and natural areas.
The topography of Ashland is characterized by rolling hills and valleys typical of New Hampshire's transitional zone between the coastal lowlands and the rugged White Mountains. The terrain features a mix of upland forests, river valleys, and lakefront areas, with elevations varying significantly across the town. The average elevation is around 758 feet (231 meters) above sea level, while the listed town elevation (likely referring to the village center) is 560 feet (170 meters). The highest point in Ashland is Hicks Hill, reaching 1,386 feet (422 meters), offering potential views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. This elevation gradient supports diverse ecosystems, from lowland riparian zones along the rivers to higher-elevation hardwood and coniferous forests. The town is home to Scribner-Fellows State Forest, a protected area that preserves much of this natural topography for hiking, wildlife observation, and conservation. Geological features are influenced by glacial activity from the last Ice Age, resulting in deposits of till, outwash plains, and eskers that shape the local landscape.
Water plays a prominent role in Ashland's geography. The town is drained primarily by the Squam River, which flows through the village center, and Owl Brook, both contributing to the broader Merrimack River system. The Pemigewasset River forms the western boundary, serving as a major tributary to the Merrimack and providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and scenic views. On the eastern edge, Little Squam Lake—a popular spot for boating, swimming, and summer recreation—marks part of the boundary and connects to the larger Squam Lake system, one of New Hampshire's most pristine bodies of water. These waterways not only define the town's boundaries and internal divisions but also influence local microclimates and support wetlands that are vital for biodiversity, including habitats for fish, birds, and amphibians.
Ashland experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen classification Dfb), featuring four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Summers are typically mild to warm, with average high temperatures peaking at around 81°F (27°C) in July, while nighttime lows hover near 58°F (14°C). Winters are harsh, with January highs averaging 28°F (-2°C) and lows dropping to about 8°F (-13°C), often accompanied by significant snowfall—annual totals can exceed 80 inches (203 cm) in higher elevations. Spring and fall are transitional, with moderate temperatures; for instance, October sees highs around 58°F (14°C) and lows near 37°F (3°C), often with breezy conditions. Annual precipitation is fairly evenly distributed, averaging about 45 inches (114 cm), including rain and melted snow, with occasional thunderstorms in summer and nor'easters in winter bringing heavy accumulations. The town's proximity to the White Mountains can lead to orographic effects, enhancing snowfall in winter and creating cooler microclimates in shaded valleys. Climate trends indicate slightly warmer temperatures and increased wind risks from tropical storms over the past decades, though Ashland remains relatively sheltered compared to coastal areas.
Early History and Settlement
Ashland, New Hampshire, is a small
town located in Grafton County, situated along the Squam and
Pemigewasset Rivers in the Lakes Region of the state. It lies at the
intersections of Routes 25, 132, and US 3, positioned southwest of the
White Mountains. The town's origins trace back to the mid-18th century
when it was part of the larger township of Holderness. In 1751, colonial
Governor Benning Wentworth granted the township of Holderness to a group
of proprietors, but settlement was delayed due to the ongoing French and
Indian Wars, which made the area unsafe for colonists. The grant was
reissued in 1761 as "New Holderness" to encourage development, with the
"New" prefix officially dropped in 1816. Prior to European settlement,
the region likely hosted Native American settlements, though specific
records are limited, as the area was part of broader Abenaki
territories.
Actual settlement began around 1763, with early
inhabitants primarily coming from nearby towns such as New Hampton,
Bridgewater, Plymouth, and Holderness itself. The land was initially
agricultural, with a rough and broken terrain featuring hills like
Church Hill and fertile but challenging soil along Owl Brook, a
tributary of the Squam River. Key early settlers included families like
the Huckins, with Robert Huckins arriving from New Hampton around 1760
and his son James establishing a homestead; the Harris family, with
Simon Harris from Bridgewater and his son Rufus becoming a prominent
paper manufacturer; and the Ames, Cox, Hughes, Baker, Corliss, Carr,
Currier, Drew, Rogers, Cummings, Ladd, Livermore, Peaslee, Smythe,
Calley, Shepard, Plaisted, Deane, Smith, Pierce, Dustin, Morse, Moore,
Abbott, Dearborn, Goss, Batchelder, Scribner, Keyes, and others. Many of
these settlers were veterans of the Revolutionary War, such as Barnett
Hughes and Enoch Rogers, and they focused on farming, lumbering, and
basic milling. For instance, Hon. Samuel Livermore, an early Holderness
settler and prominent statesman, died in the area in 1803, leaving a
legacy in local governance. The population grew slowly, with families
raising large numbers of children—Jacob Peaslee, an early Ashland
settler, had eleven—and establishing homesteads along roads that would
later define the town's layout.
Industrial Development and Growth
The town's transformation from a rural outpost to an industrial hub
began in the late 18th century, driven by the natural water power of the
Squam River, which drops about 112 feet through the village area. In
1770–1771, the first sawmill and gristmill were constructed, marking the
start of mill-based industry. By the early 19th century, the Squam Lake
Woolen Mill was established in 1840 by James Briggs & Bros., producing
woolen goods and later leased out with 1,500 spindles. Other mills
followed, manufacturing hosiery, gloves, sporting equipment, wood
products, paper, leather-board, and even buckskin gloves at factories
like J.F. Draper & Co. (built 1880, employing 200 workers). The Scribner
brothers operated paper mills, and E.F. Bailey's leather-board mill
(started 1863 as a straw-board factory) became the first of its kind in
the state, producing one ton daily by the 1880s. Tanneries, machine
shops, and sawmills rounded out the industrial landscape, with the Squam
River and Little Squam Lake providing essential water resources and
scenic appeal.
A pivotal moment came in 1849 with the arrival of the
Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad (later Boston & Lowell), which
connected the village to national markets. This spurred commerce, with
stores catering to mill workers and tourists heading to hotels on the
Squam Lakes via steamers up the river. The railroad station, built in
1869, became a key hub for freight and visitors, boosting the local
economy and leading to the establishment of institutions like the
Ashland Savings Bank in 1872. By the 1880s, Ashland Village was a
thriving post village with about 200 dwellings, two churches (Free Will
Baptist, organized 1831, and St. Mark's Episcopal, reorganized 1859), a
hotel, various stores, a bank, and a public school amid romantic
scenery. Education also advanced, with three school districts and graded
schools by 1885, serving 149 children.
Incorporation and
19th-20th Century Evolution
As industrialization intensified in the
southwestern corner of Holderness (known as Holderness Village),
tensions arose between the mill workers and commercial interests there
and the farmers in the rest of the town. This divergence led to the
area's separation and incorporation as the independent town of Ashland
on July 1, 1868, named after the Kentucky estate of statesman Henry
Clay. The new town covered about 3,853 acres of improved land and
quickly grew, with the population reaching 885 in 1870 and peaking at
around 2,076 by 2010 before declining to 1,938 in 2020. Historical
census data shows steady growth through the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, with increases like 24.3% from 1880 (960) to 1890 (1,193),
reflecting industrial expansion, followed by fluctuations due to
economic shifts.
The late 19th century saw continued mill operations,
but by the 20th century, industries began to decline. The last textile
mill, the L.W. Packard Company, closed in 2002, marking the end of the
manufacturing era. Ashland transitioned into a residential and resort
community, capitalizing on its natural beauty and proximity to Squam
Lakes, which gained fame as the filming location for the 1981 movie On
Golden Pond. Tourism grew, with attractions like Edward N. Doggett Beach
on Little Squam Lake and Jellystone Park campground drawing visitors.
Community events, such as the Fourth of July and Halloween Parades,
Christmas Night in Ashland, and the Circle Triathlon, became staples,
supported by groups like the Woman's Club, American Legion, and Ashland
Garden Club.
Historical Preservation and Notable Sites
Preservation efforts have been central to Ashland's identity since the
Ashland Historical Society was formed in 1968 during the town's
centennial. The Society operates museums including the Whipple House
Museum (1837, showcasing local history and artifacts related to Nobel
laureate George Hoyt Whipple, born in Ashland), the Pauline E. Glidden
Toy Museum, and the Ashland Railroad Station Museum (1869, with railroad
artifacts). Other National Register-listed sites include the Ashland
Grist Mill (1903), Ashland Junior High School (1877-78, now the Historic
Ashland School), First Free Will Baptist Church (1834-35), Ashland Town
Hall (1871), and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (1859). Additional historic
structures from a 1982 inventory encompass the White Mountain Country
Club (1800-1810), Reuben Whitten House (c.1800), Common Man Restaurant
(pre-1861), and others, many renovated for modern use like offices or
community spaces. The Ashland Town Library's Local History Room
preserves genealogies, town reports, photos, newspapers (e.g., Plymouth
Record from 1888 onward), yearbooks, and memorabilia, including a 1939
silent film The Movie Queen featuring local scenes.
Notable
People and Legacy
Ashland has produced several prominent figures,
including James Frankland Briggs, a Republican Congressman; George Hoyt
Whipple, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1934 for
his work on anemia and liver therapy; and members of the Cheney family,
such as Person Colby Cheney (abolitionist and governor) and Oren B.
Cheney (founder of Bates College). The town's legacy is one of
resilience, evolving from colonial hardships and industrial boom to a
quiet resort haven, with ongoing challenges like building preservation
and economic diversification. As of the 2010 census demographics, the
town featured a median age of 43.1, a median household income of
$45,938, and a diverse housing mix including seasonal properties,
reflecting its appeal as a lakeside retreat.