Hanover is the name of a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire,
New England. The US The Census Bureau recorded a population of
11,870 as of the 2020 census. Hanover is located in the west of
the state on the Connecticut River, whose western low water line
forms the border with the state of Vermont at this point. The
place is best known as the location of the elite university
Dartmouth College, which was founded here in 1769.
Hanover is the name of a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire,
New England. The US The Census Bureau recorded a population of
11,870 as of the 2020 census. Hanover is located in the west of
the state on the Connecticut River, whose western low water line
forms the border with the state of Vermont at this point. The
place is best known as the location of the elite university
Dartmouth College, which was founded here in 1769.
Hanover, New Hampshire, is a quintessential New England college town
nestled in the Upper Valley along the Connecticut River, bordering
Vermont. With a population of about 11,000 (swelling during the academic
year due to students), it's best known as the home of Dartmouth College,
an Ivy League institution founded in 1769 by Eleazar Wheelock to educate
Native Americans and English youth. The town's charm lies in its blend
of intellectual vibrancy, historic architecture, cultural institutions,
and access to outdoor recreation amid rolling hills and forests.
Influenced by its academic roots, Hanover features a walkable downtown,
green spaces, and seasonal activities ranging from fall foliage hikes to
winter skiing.
Dartmouth College Campus
At the core of Hanover
is Dartmouth College's 269-acre campus, a National Historic Landmark
that embodies Georgian architecture and open green spaces. The
centerpiece is "The Green," a 7-acre rectangular lawn dating back to the
college's founding, originally cleared for pasture and now a communal
hub for frisbee games, protests, graduations, and bonfires during events
like Homecoming Weekend. Surrounded by white-clapboard buildings, it's
where the Appalachian Trail briefly emerges onto pavement, marked by
white blazes on lampposts.
Key structures include Dartmouth Hall,
the oldest surviving building (rebuilt in 1906 after multiple fires,
originally constructed in 1784-1791), which features a simple white
facade with a cupola and serves as an administrative and classroom
space. Nearby, the Baker-Berry Library—modeled after Philadelphia's
Independence Hall with its red brick and white steeple—houses over 2.5
million volumes, including rare 17th-century Shakespeare folios. Its
bell tower, a prominent campus landmark, chimes hourly and can be
climbed during special occasions for views over the town. In the
library's lower level Reserve Corridor, you'll find the highlight: José
Clemente Orozco's monumental mural cycle, "The Epic of American
Civilization" (1932-1934). This 3,200-square-foot, 24-panel fresco
controversially portrays the Americas' history from Aztec myths and
human sacrifice to industrialization and war, critiquing colonialism and
capitalism with vivid, sometimes disturbing imagery of gods, conquerors,
and modern machines.
Orozco, a Mexican muralist invited as
artist-in-residence, drew inspiration from his surroundings but infused
social commentary, making it a thought-provoking teaching tool. Also in
the library is the Theodor Seuss Geisel Room, honoring the Dartmouth
alum (Class of 1925) better known as Dr. Seuss, with displays of his
whimsical illustrations and books. Rollins Chapel, a Romanesque stone
building from 1885, offers a serene multi-faith space with stained glass
and a 24-foot meditation labyrinth for quiet reflection. Webster Avenue,
lined with Greek-letter houses (fraternities and sororities), pulses
with social energy, ending at the President's House. Tips: Take a free
student-led tour from the admissions office for insider stories; visit
in fall for vibrant foliage framing the buildings, or winter for
snow-covered charm. The campus is open year-round, but check for event
restrictions.
Hood Museum of Art
One of the oldest museum
collections in the U.S. (founded 1772), the Hood Museum of Art is a
Dartmouth gem located in a modern red-brick complex designed by Charles
Moore and expanded in 2019 by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects. It
boasts over 65,000 objects spanning 6,000 years, emphasizing teaching
and accessibility—admission is free, and it's integrated into college
courses. Highlights include ancient Assyrian bas-reliefs from 900 BCE,
African and Native American artifacts, European masters like Picasso's
cubist "Guitar on a Table" (1915), and contemporary pieces by Mark
Rothko and Ed Ruscha. The collection also features Oceanic art, Peruvian
textiles, and American works reflecting diverse narratives. Unique
features include rotating exhibits that encourage dialogue on cultural
themes, plus interactive programs for all ages.
At Hood Museum of
Art, changing stories and choosing sides - The ...
The museum's
renovation added light-filled galleries and a courtyard, enhancing the
flow between indoor art and outdoor campus views. Tips: Allow 1-2 hours;
download the app for audio guides on select works. It's closed Mondays,
and best visited midweek to avoid crowds. In 2015, it was named Yankee
Magazine's Best Free Art Museum.
Main Street and Hanover Green
Hanover's Main Street is a lively artery blending commerce, culture, and
history, stretching from The Green northward. This pedestrian-friendly
strip, part of the Appalachian Trail (hikers often stop for resupply),
features independent shops, cafes, and eateries in historic buildings.
Standouts include the Dartmouth Co-op for college merch, Left Bank Books
for curated used volumes, Farmhouse Pottery for artisan ceramics, and
clothing boutiques like Juliana's. Dining options abound: Lou's Bakery &
Crêperie (opened 1948) offers farm-fresh breakfasts in a retro diner
setting with vinyl booths and a pie cart laden with muffins and cakes;
Dirt Cowboy Café roasts its own coffee; and spots like Base Camp Café
serve Nepalese-Indian fusion. Evening vibes include Nugget Theaters, a
1916 cinema showing indie films. The adjacent Hanover Green, distinct
from Dartmouth's but overlapping in feel, is a town common with benches,
events like farmers' markets, and views of surrounding hills—ideal for
people-watching.
Historically, Main Street has been Hanover's
economic center since the 18th century, evolving from a frontier outpost
to a sophisticated hub. Tips: Stroll in the evening for a relaxed
atmosphere; summer brings outdoor seating, while winter holidays feature
lights and ice sculptures. Parking is metered but plentiful nearby.
Hopkins Center for the Arts
Affectionately called "The Hop," this
1962 brutalist structure by Wallace Harrison (inspired by Lincoln
Center) is Dartmouth's performing arts nexus. It hosts over 100 events
annually, including theater productions, concerts, dance performances,
film screenings, and art exhibits in its galleries. The center includes
studios, a black-box theater, and the Loew Auditorium for movies. Unique
to Dartmouth, it's a creative incubator where students and professionals
collaborate. Tips: Check the online calendar for tickets; many events
are affordable or free for students. It's connected to the Hood Museum,
making for a cultural double-header.
Outdoor and Natural
Attractions
Hanover's location in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region
provides abundant nature escapes. The Connecticut River, forming the
NH-VT border, offers kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and
swimming—rent gear from the Ledyard Canoe Club boathouse, a Dartmouth
outpost since 1920. Trails like Pine Park wind through old-growth pines
along the riverbank, with brooks and birdwatching spots.
For
hiking, Gile Mountain in nearby Norwich (10-minute drive) features a
gentle 0.5-mile trail to a 70-foot fire tower with 360-degree panoramas
of the Green Mountains and White Mountains—stunning in fall foliage.
Gile Mountain Trail - Trail Finder
Velvet Rocks, a 3.5-mile
moderate loop off the Appalachian Trail, showcases wildflowers and rocky
outcrops. Nearby Mascoma Lake (in Enfield) and the Northern Rail Trail
(a 59-mile converted rail path) suit biking or walking. In winter, Occum
Pond freezes for ice skating, and the Dartmouth Skiway (10 miles north)
provides downhill runs. Tips: Download AllTrails app for maps; visit
Quechee Gorge (15 minutes away) for a quick add-on—a 165-foot-deep chasm
with trails and fewer crowds early morning. Respect leave-no-trace
principles, as many areas are conserved.
Unusual and Hidden Gems
For offbeat intrigue, seek the Panarchy Tomb Room in the basement of
Panarchy, Dartmouth's oldest undergraduate society (founded 1839 as a
literary group, now a co-ed residence). This dimly lit, 100+-year-old
space resembles a ritual chamber with stone walls, arches, and enigmatic
symbols—think Masonic vibes meets college lore. It's not publicly
advertised but occasionally accessible via society members. The Orozco
murals, mentioned earlier, also qualify as "unusual" for their bold,
provocative themes amid an Ivy League setting. Tips: Inquire politely at
campus info centers; these aren't formal tours, so access varies.
By Plane
The closest airport is Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB) in
West Lebanon, NH, about 6-11 miles south of Hanover (sources vary
slightly on distance). It's a small regional airport with limited
commercial flights, primarily via Cape Air from Boston or New York. From
LEB, take a short taxi ride (10-15 minutes, around $20-30), rent a car,
or use a rideshare like Uber/Lyft to Hanover.
Other nearby airports
with more flight options include:
Manchester-Boston Regional
Airport (MHT) in Manchester, NH (about 75 miles southeast, 1-1.5 hour
drive). Rent a car and take I-93 north to I-89 north, or check for
shuttle services like Dartmouth Coach (though they primarily serve
Boston).
Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) in
Burlington, VT (about 70 miles northwest, 1.5-2 hour drive). Drive via
I-89 south, or use Greyhound buses for connections.
Boston Logan
International Airport (BOS) in Boston, MA (about 130 miles southeast,
2-3 hour drive). This is a major hub with international flights; from
here, connect via Dartmouth Coach bus directly to Hanover (details
below).
For farther options like Bradley International Airport
(BDL) in Hartford, CT (about 130 miles south), drive via I-91 north.
By Bus
Several services run to Hanover, with drop-offs typically
in front of the Hopkins Center for the Arts (4 East Wheelock Street).
Dartmouth Coach: Popular for direct service from Boston (Logan
Airport or South Station, 6-7 daily trips, ~2.5 hours, $35 one-way) and
New York City (one daily trip from Midtown Manhattan near Grand Central,
~5-6 hours). Buses offer amenities like Wi-Fi, movies, and snacks.
Schedules increase during Dartmouth's academic peaks.
Greyhound:
Offers routes from about 8 cities, including Montreal, Manchester (NH),
and Burlington (VT). Tickets start around $22, with free Wi-Fi, power
outlets, reclining seats, onboard restrooms, and luggage allowance (one
free checked bag). Book early for deals; check their site for exact
schedules from your origin.
Local free buses like Advance
Transit's Blue Route connect Hanover to nearby Lebanon if you're
arriving there first.
By Train
Amtrak's Vermonter route stops
at White River Junction, VT (station code WRJ, about 5 miles southeast
of Hanover). One daily train each way, connecting to cities like New
York, Washington D.C., and Montreal. From the station, take a taxi (~10
minutes, $15-25) or rideshare to Hanover; no direct bus is mentioned,
but local options may exist.
By Car
Hanover is at the
intersection of I-89 and I-91, making it straightforward from the
Northeast.
From Boston (~130 miles, 2.5 hours): Take I-93 north
to I-89 north; exit 18 for Route 120 north into Hanover.
From New
York City (~260 miles, 4.5-5 hours): Take I-95 north to I-91 north; exit
13 for Norwich, VT, then cross the bridge to Hanover.
From Hartford,
CT (~130 miles, ~2 hours): I-91 north to exit 13, then to Hanover.
From Montreal (~180 miles, ~3 hours): I-89 south to exit 20, then Route
12A south to Hanover.
Pre-Colonial and Indigenous History
The land that would become
Hanover, New Hampshire, was originally inhabited by Native American
tribes for centuries before European settlement. The area along the
Connecticut River Valley was part of the traditional territory of the
Abenaki people, who used the region for hunting, fishing, and seasonal
encampments. Archaeological evidence suggests potential sites near
rivers and brooks, including Mink Brook, where early mills would later
be built. These indigenous communities maintained a presence until
European colonization displaced them in the 18th century.
Founding and Early Settlement (1761–1770s)
Hanover was officially
chartered on July 4, 1761, by New Hampshire's royal governor, Benning
Wentworth, as part of a series of land grants in the Connecticut River
Valley. The charter encompassed about seven square miles of densely
wooded, uneven terrain and was originally spelled "Hannover," possibly
in honor of the German House of Hanover (linked to British King George
III) or a parish in Sprague, Connecticut. Wentworth reserved 500 acres
for himself, including lands that would later become significant. The
first permanent European settlers, primarily from Connecticut, arrived
in 1765–1766. They established farms and mills along Mink Brook, east of
modern Hanover, where the brook's rushing waters powered essential
sawmills and gristmills for the agricultural community. By 1770, around
20 families lived in the area, focusing on clearing land for subsistence
farming despite the challenging landscape.
A pivotal event was the
founding of Dartmouth College in 1769 by Eleazar Wheelock, who relocated
his educational institution (originally Moor's Indian Charity School)
from Connecticut to Hanover. The college opened in 1770 on "The Plain,"
a level tract about a mile from the Connecticut River and 150 feet above
it, adjacent to the town common. This establishment shifted the town's
focus toward education and laid the foundation for Hanover's future
development as a college town. Early town meetings were held in Etna
(then called Mill Village), which served as a civic and industrial hub
for decades.
Revolutionary Era and Brief Secession (1770s–1780s)
During the American Revolution, Hanover's residents supported
independence, with many serving in the Continental Army. The town's
strategic location along the Connecticut River made it a waypoint for
travel and trade. In 1778, dissatisfaction with New Hampshire's
governance led Hanover and other Grafton County towns to secede briefly
and join the independent Vermont Republic. The southwest corner of
Hanover, known as "Dresden" (encompassing "The Plain" and Dartmouth
College), was central to this movement. This "Dresden Crisis" lasted
until 1784, when interventions, including from George Washington,
persuaded the towns to rejoin New Hampshire. A lasting legacy is the
Dresden School District, one of the nation's first interstate school
districts, serving Hanover and Norwich, Vermont. The 1790 census
recorded Hanover's population at 1,380, reflecting steady growth through
agriculture and small-scale industry.
19th Century: Growth,
Industry, and Architectural Development
The 19th century saw Hanover
evolve from a rural outpost into a more structured community. Etna
remained a key area, renamed from Mill Village in 1884, with its Baptist
Church, common, cemetery, and mills powered by Mink Brook. Town meetings
were held there for 78 years, underscoring its importance. Agriculture
dominated, with farms in areas like Hanover Center and Etna Highlands
(cleared as early as 1787). Stone walls, boundary stones, and rural
landscapes from this era still define much of the town's character.
Dartmouth College expanded significantly, becoming a showcase of
American architecture. Early buildings were Georgian Revival and
Romanesque Revival styles, with the campus centered around the village
green. The village around the college grew as the commercial center,
surpassing Hanover Center. A major setback occurred in 1887 when a
devastating fire destroyed much of downtown's east side, including the
Dartmouth Hotel. Rebuilding followed in the Colonial Revival style,
shaping Main Street's appearance today. Structures like the Wheelock
House (1773) survived, while others, such as the Davison and Bridgman
blocks, were erected post-fire. Population growth was modest but steady,
supported by the college's influence and local mills.
Key rural
villages included:
Hanover Center: Featuring late 18th- and early
19th-century clapboarded homes, a schoolhouse, Congregational Church,
and cemetery.
Etna: Early 19th-century capes, farms, and mills;
considered for National Register district status.
Occom Ridge and
Rope Ferry Road: Early 20th-century frames linked to historic ferry
crossings; designated scenic roads.
Early 20th Century:
Modernization and Preservation Efforts
By the early 1900s, Hanover's
population had grown, with the 1950 census at 6,259. The Hanover Water
Works Company acquired lands, including a former poor farm, leading to
reforestation and infrastructure changes by 1912. The 1939 film Winter
Carnival was shot in Hanover, highlighting its cultural ties to
Dartmouth's traditions. The town celebrated its bicentennial in 1961
with publications like "Hanover, New Hampshire: A Bicentennial Book" and
the founding of the Hanover Historical Society in 1960. The original
1761 charter was restored in 1984.
Preservation gained momentum: The
1928 book A History of the Town of Hanover, New Hampshire by John King
Lord documented early history. Surveys in the 1990s–2000s cataloged
barns, campus buildings, and gravestones. The 1998 Dartmouth Campus
Master Plan emphasized preserving core structures. Adaptive reuse of
historic buildings, like Webster Cottage and Choate House relocations,
balanced growth with heritage.
Late 20th Century to Present:
Growth and Cultural Emphasis
Hanover's population exceeded 11,200 by
the 2010s, split roughly between residents and Dartmouth students. The
downtown on Main Street blends businesses, restaurants, and historic
sites, while rural areas like Etna and Hanover Center retain small-town
charm. Conservation efforts include easements at Mink Brook (site of a
1771 sawmill) and scenic designations for roads like Rope Ferry and
Occom Ridge. Archaeological potential remains high near waterways.
Significant preservation tools include National Register listings (e.g.,
Etna Library, a stone bridge), Historic American Buildings Survey
documentation, and the 2003 Master Plan. Ongoing projects involve
gravestone restoration, oral history interviews, and archival
collaborations with Dartmouth and the Historical Society. Today, Hanover
exemplifies a harmonious blend of educational prestige, natural beauty,
and historical depth, with Dartmouth continuing as its economic and
cultural anchor.
Hanover is a town in Grafton County, western New Hampshire, United
States, situated along the Connecticut River, which forms its eastern
boundary with Vermont. It lies at coordinates approximately 43°42′08″N
72°17′22″W, bordering the towns of Lyme, Canaan, and Enfield in New
Hampshire, as well as Norwich in Vermont and the city of Lebanon in New
Hampshire. The town is part of the Upper Connecticut River Valley, often
referred to as the Upper Valley region, which spans central New
Hampshire and Vermont. Incorporated in 1761, Hanover originated from a
charter granted to settlers from Connecticut and includes smaller
villages such as Etna and Hanover Center. The primary settlement is the
Hanover census-designated place (CDP), centered around Dartmouth College
and key intersections of New Hampshire Routes 10, 10A, and 120. With a
population of around 11,000, it is known as a collegiate town due to
Dartmouth's presence, but its geography has historically supported
agriculture and outdoor recreation.
The total area of Hanover is 50.2
square miles (129.9 km²), of which 49.0 square miles (127.0 km²) is land
and 1.1 square miles (2.9 km²) is water, accounting for about 2.21% of
the town. The CDP itself covers 5.0 square miles (13 km²), with 4.6
square miles (12 km²) land and 0.4 square miles (1.0 km²) water. Hanover
falls entirely within the Connecticut River watershed, influencing its
hydrology and ecology. Maps of the area often highlight roads,
conservation lands, topographic relief, and hydrologic features,
providing a composite view of its layout.
Hanover's terrain is characterized by uneven, rolling landscapes
typical of New England's glaciated uplands, with a mix of hills,
valleys, and level plains. The main village area, known historically as
"the Plain," is a flat, extensive tract about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the
Connecticut River and elevated approximately 150 feet (46 m) above it.
This level ground was a key factor in the town's early agricultural
development after European settlement in the 1760s and the selection of
the site for Dartmouth College in 1769. Elevation in the town center is
around 528 feet (161 m) above sea level, while the highest point is the
north peak of Moose Mountain at 2,313 feet (705 m). The varied
topography includes steep slopes in the eastern parts near the river and
more gradual rises toward the western hills, contributing to diverse
microenvironments.
The region's geology reflects post-glacial
features, with soils suitable for farming on the plains and forested
uplands elsewhere. Conservation lands and topographic maps emphasize
relief, showing elevations that support activities like hiking and
skiing.
The Connecticut River is Hanover's most prominent natural feature, defining its eastern edge and serving as a major waterway for the region. This river not only marks the state boundary with Vermont but also influences local climate, recreation, and water supply. Smaller hydrologic features include streams, ponds, and reservoirs, with the town relying on local reservoirs for downtown water supply and private wells in outlying areas, managed jointly by Dartmouth College and the town. The entire area drains into the Connecticut River watershed, supporting ecosystems with wetlands and riparian zones.
Hanover experiences a hot-summer humid continental climate (Köppen "Dfa"), marked by cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Temperature extremes range from a record high of 103 °F (39.4 °C) in August 1975 to a record low of −40 °F (−40.0 °C) in February 1943. Annual precipitation averages 40.15 inches (1,019 mm), with snowfall totaling about 60.6 inches (153.65 cm) per year. The climate supports four distinct seasons, with winter sports thriving due to reliable snow cover.
Hanover boasts extensive natural features, including forests, trails, and nature preserves that make it a hub for outdoor activities. The Appalachian Trail traverses the town, offering segments like the Velvet Rocks Trail with rock climbing and bouldering opportunities. Many trails are suitable for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, weaving through wooded areas and conservation lands. Forests cover significant portions, with historical etymological ties suggesting dense woodlands in parts of the area. Land use blends residential, educational (centered on Dartmouth), agricultural remnants, and protected natural spaces, reflecting the town's commitment to preserving its environment amid development. This geography fosters biodiversity, with the river and forests supporting wildlife and recreational pursuits year-round.
"Hanover" (as it was called in the charter) was named either after a local parish in the city of Sprague, or in honor of the ruling British monarch from the Hanoverian dynasty - George III.
According to the US Census Bureau, the total area of the city is 130
km², of which only 2.8 km² is water. The main part of Hanover, which
accommodates over 75% of the urban population, is defined as the Hanover
Statistically Separated Area and includes the areas around Dartmouth
College and the intersections of New Hampshire Highways 10, 10A and 120.
The total area of the Hanover Statistically Separated Area is 13 km², of
which only 1 km² is water.
Hanover is adjacent to the cities of
Lyme, Canaan, Enfield, Norwich and Lebanon. Near Hanover are the small
rural settlements of Etna and Hanover Center.
The highest point
within Hanover is the northern peak of Moose Mountain, which has a
height of 705 meters above sea level. The city lies entirely in the
Connecticut River basin.
There are a large number of trails and
protected areas around Hanover, and most of these trails are suitable
for cross-country skiing and walking.
According to the 2000 census, the city accommodates 10,850 residents,
2,832 households and 1,761 families. The population density in Hanover
is 85.3 people. per km². The racial makeup of the city is 87.98% White,
1.74% African American, 0.47% Native American or Eskimo, 6.76% Asian,
0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.88% from other races, and 2.09% % from two or
more races. 2.54% are Hispanics of all races.
There are 2,832
households in the city, of which 31.1% have children under 18 living
with them, 55.7% are married couples living together, 4.8% are female
with no husband, and 37.8% are single.
The age composition of the
inhabitants of Hanover is as follows: 15.1% under 18 years old, 37.6%
from 18 to 24, 16.6% from 25 to 44, 17.1% from 45 to 64 and 13.6% - 65
and older. The average age is 23 years. For every 100 women, there are
99.1 men. For every 100 women aged 18 and over, there are 96.5 men.
The median income for a household in Hanover is $72,470 and the
median income for a family is $99,158. The median income for men is
$63,409 versus $35,771 for women. The per capita income is $30,393.
About 0.6% of families and 9.1% of the total population live below the
poverty line.
The central urban settlement, or Hanover
Statistically Separate Area, has 8,162 persons, 1,829 households, and
967 families according to the 2000 census. The median household income
is $62,143 and the median family income is $90,548. The per capita
income is $26,426.
Thomas Kinkade (1888-1972) Admiral
Hanover has 3 public schools, 1 private school, 1 college and 2
libraries, including:
Dartmouth College;
Hanover High School;
Frances C. Richmond Middle School;
Bernice A. Ray Elementary School.