Manchester is a city in the United States, the largest city in the state of New Hampshire. Located on the banks of the Merrimack River. According to the 2000 census, the population was 107,219, according to preliminary data in 2010, the population is 109,565. The city's population was 115,644 as of the 2020 census.
Manchester, New Hampshire, the state's largest city, blends its
industrial heritage as a former textile mill hub with modern cultural,
recreational, and natural attractions. Once powered by the Merrimack
River and the massive Amoskeag Mills, the city now offers a mix of
museums showcasing art and history, vibrant performing arts venues,
sports arenas, parks, and outdoor spots ideal for hiking, skiing, and
water activities. Its central location provides easy access to broader
New England highlights like the White Mountains, beaches, and Boston,
all within an hour's drive.
Museums and Historical Sites
Manchester's museums highlight its artistic and industrial past,
offering immersive experiences for history buffs and art enthusiasts.
Currier Museum of Art: Located at 150 Ash Street, this renowned
museum is a cornerstone of Manchester's cultural scene, housing an
impressive collection of over 15,000 works spanning European and
American art from the Renaissance to contemporary periods. Founded in
1929 from the bequest of former New Hampshire Governor Moody Currier and
his wife Hannah, it features masterpieces by artists like Picasso,
Matisse, Monet, O'Keeffe, and Hopper, alongside glass, decorative arts,
and sculptures. The museum's architecture itself is noteworthy, with a
modern addition complementing the original Italian Renaissance Revival
building. Visitors can explore rotating exhibits, participate in art
classes or workshops, and tour the adjacent Zimmerman House (more
below). It's family-friendly with interactive programs, and admission
includes access to the museum's cafe and gift shop. Worth visiting for
its world-class collection in a relatively intimate setting—plan 2-3
hours to fully appreciate it, and check for free admission days or
events.
Zimmerman House: This is the only Frank Lloyd
Wright-designed home in New England open to the public, located at 223
Heather Street and managed by the Currier Museum (tours start from
there). Built in 1950 for Dr. Isadore and Lucille Zimmerman, it's a
prime example of Wright's Usonian style—emphasizing harmony with nature,
open floor plans, built-in furniture, and innovative use of materials
like concrete blocks and cypress wood. The 5,500-square-foot house
includes original furnishings, art, pottery, and sculptures collected by
the Zimmermans, plus a landscaped garden designed by Wright himself.
Tours (required for entry, about 2 hours) delve into Wright's
philosophy, the house's construction challenges, and its preservation
after the Zimmermans bequeathed it to the museum in 1988. It's a must
for architecture fans, offering insights into mid-century modern design;
book in advance as group sizes are limited, and note that photography
inside is restricted to preserve the integrity.
Manchester
Historic Association's Millyard Museum: Situated in the historic
Millyard district at 200 Bedford Street, this museum chronicles
Manchester's transformation from a Native American fishing spot to the
world's largest textile producer in the early 20th century. Housed in a
restored 19th-century mill building, exhibits cover 11,000 years of
local history, including the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company's rise and
fall, immigrant worker stories, and industrial innovations. Interactive
displays, artifacts like looms and worker tools, and a recreated company
store provide depth. It's educational for all ages, with programs on
genealogy and local lore. Visit to understand Manchester's "Mill Girl"
era and economic legacy—allow 1-2 hours, and combine with a walk through
the revitalized Millyard area, now home to tech companies, UNH
Manchester, and eateries.
SEE Science Center: At 200 Bedford
Street (sharing space with the Millyard Museum), this hands-on science
museum targets families and kids, featuring over 85 interactive exhibits
on physics, engineering, and biology. Highlights include a LEGO Millyard
replica with 3 million bricks depicting Manchester's history, a moon
jump simulator, and experiments with electricity and forces. Founded in
1986, it's designed to spark STEM interest through play. Worth a visit
for educational fun—spend 1-2 hours, and it's affordable with group
rates.
Performing Arts and Entertainment Venues
Manchester's
downtown pulses with live entertainment, centered around Elm Street, the
city's vibrant main thoroughfare lined with bars, restaurants, and
historic buildings.
Palace Theatre: This historic gem at 80
Hanover Street, built in 1915 as a vaudeville house, is a beautifully
restored venue seating about 850. It hosts Broadway-style musicals,
plays, concerts, and youth productions through its professional company.
Architectural features include ornate plasterwork, a grand chandelier,
and a proscenium stage. Its history reflects Manchester's entertainment
evolution from silent films to modern shows. Catch a performance for an
intimate theater experience—check the schedule for hits like "The
Nutcracker" or local talent; arrive early for street parking tips.
SNHU Arena: At 555 Elm Street, this 11,000-seat arena (formerly Verizon
Wireless Arena) is a hub for major concerts, ice hockey (home to the
Manchester Monarchs ECHL team), wrestling, and family shows like Disney
on Ice. Opened in 2001, it's named after Southern New Hampshire
University and anchors downtown revitalization. Features include modern
amenities, suites, and concessions. Ideal for big events—book tickets
early, and note its proximity to hotels and dining.
Northeast Delta
Dental Stadium: This riverfront ballpark at 1 Line Drive seats 6,500 and
hosts AA minor league baseball for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats
(Toronto Blue Jays affiliate). Built in 2005 with Merrimack River views,
it offers family-friendly games, fireworks nights, and concessions.
Beyond baseball, it hosts concerts and events. Visit for affordable
sports fun—summer evenings are perfect, with kids' activities.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
With its riverside location and
proximity to nature, Manchester boasts green spaces for relaxation and
adventure year-round.
Lake Massabesic: Spanning 2,500 acres
across Manchester and Auburn, this reservoir is a scenic haven for
non-motorized boating, fishing (bass, perch), picnicking, and
birdwatching. Managed by Manchester Water Works since 1874 as the city's
water supply, swimming and pets are prohibited to protect quality, but
miles of trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing surround
it. The Audubon Center offers nature programs. It's peaceful for outdoor
enthusiasts—best in fall for foliage; bring bug spray and follow "leave
no trace" rules.
Livingston Park: A beloved urban oasis at 156
Hooksett Road, featuring a pond for fishing, walking trails,
playgrounds, and sports fields. It's great for picnics or casual
strolls, with seasonal events. Local tips note occasional sketchiness in
nearby areas, so visit during daylight.
McIntyre Ski Area: On the
city's east side at 50 Chalet Court, this small ski hill offers
affordable winter sports with 9 trails, night skiing, snow tubing, and
lessons. Opened in 1971, it's beginner-friendly with a vertical drop of
200 feet. In summer, it transforms for hiking or events. Perfect for
families avoiding larger resorts.
Other notable spots include
Arms Park for river views, Derryfield Country Club for golf, and various
trails like the rail trail near Nutt's Pond. While Manchester has urban
challenges like visible homelessness in some parks, common-sense
precautions ensure enjoyable visits. For a fuller experience, explore
Elm Street's dining and shopping, or day-trip to nearby White Mountains
for more rugged adventures.
By Air
Manchester has its own airport, Manchester-Boston Regional
Airport (MHT), which is the primary gateway for flights. It's served by
major airlines like Southwest, American, United, and Delta, with direct
flights from hubs such as Chicago, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Orlando, and
Tampa. From the airport, you can take taxis, shuttles, limos,
ride-sharing services like Uber/Lyft, or rental cars. Ground
transportation options include companies like Angel Airport Service,
5-Star Airport Service, and others for shuttles or limos. The airport is
about 5 miles south of downtown Manchester.
If flying into a nearby
airport, Boston Logan International (BOS) is about 55 miles away (1-hour
drive via I-93 North), and you can connect via bus or car.
By Bus
Several bus companies offer affordable service to Manchester:
Greyhound: Direct routes from cities like Boston (South Station, about
1.5 hours), New York City (about 5-6 hours), and others. Tickets start
around $20-30 from Boston.
FlixBus: Budget options from Boston and
other Northeast cities, with fares as low as $10-15.
Boston Express:
Frequent service from Boston Logan Airport and South Station to
Manchester Transportation Center, running multiple times daily.
Concord Coach Lines: Connects from Portland ME, Boston, and other New
England points.
Other providers: C&J Bus Lines, Dartmouth Coach,
Peter Pan, and Trailways also serve the area.
Buses arrive at the
Manchester Transportation Center (119 Canal Street), which has waiting
areas and connections to local transit. Use sites like Wanderu or
CheckMyBus to compare schedules and book.
Local bus service is
provided by the Manchester Transit Authority (MTA), which offers routes
within the city and to nearby areas like Concord, Nashua, and Salem.
By Train
There is no direct passenger rail service to Manchester.
The closest Amtrak options are:
Boston North Station (about 55
miles away), served by the Downeaster route from Maine or connections
from New York/Washington DC.
Haverhill, MA (about 30 miles south), on
the Haverhill Line commuter rail.
Exeter, NH (about 30 miles east),
on the Downeaster.
From these stations, you can transfer to a bus
(e.g., Amtrak Thruway bus at the Manchester Transportation Center, which
connects to Amtrak services) or drive. The "Amtrak station" in
Manchester is actually a bus stop at 119 Canal Street.
By Car
Manchester is easily accessible by major highways:
From Boston:
Take I-93 North (about 55 miles, 1 hour).
From New York City: I-95
North to I-495 North to I-93 North (about 230 miles, 4 hours).
From
Portland, ME: I-95 South to I-293 South (about 110 miles, 1.5-2 hours).
From Montreal: I-89 South to I-93 South (about 200 miles, 3.5 hours).
Key interstates include I-93 (north-south) and I-293 (loop around
the city). Use apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time directions,
traffic, and toll info (E-ZPass recommended for NH turnpikes).
Manchester, New Hampshire, often called the "Queen City," boasts a
rich industrial past as a mill town, but its history also includes tales
of the supernatural. From historic cemeteries to former factories and
theaters, the city is dotted with locations where paranormal activity
has been reported. These legends often stem from tragic events, untimely
deaths, or the echoes of bygone eras, drawing ghost hunters and curious
locals alike. Below, I'll delve into some of the most prominent haunted
sites and their associated stories, based on local lore, eyewitness
accounts, and historical records.
Valley Street Cemetery
Established in 1841, Valley Street Cemetery (also known as Valley
Cemetery) served as a prominent burial ground for Manchester's elite,
including politicians, industrialists, and Civil War veterans. It was
added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004 for its
architectural and historical significance, featuring ornate mausoleums,
Gothic Revival elements, and a chapel that had fallen into disrepair but
has seen restoration efforts by community groups. The cemetery also
includes a pauper's section with mass graves from cholera outbreaks in
the 1850s, adding to its somber atmosphere.
Paranormal reports here
are plentiful and date back decades. Visitors often describe sudden cold
spots on warm days, disembodied whispers or murmuring voices echoing
through the grounds, and physical sensations like being touched or
gripped on the shoulders by unseen hands. One of the most intriguing
legends centers on the Smyth family mausoleum, one of 13 such structures
in the cemetery. It's said to be haunted by the spirit of an elderly man
who exudes negative energy and a perpetual bad mood—perhaps a former
resident or guardian figure. Nearby, a young woman's apparition is
frequently spotted, giving off a more positive, calming vibe; some
speculate she fears the old man and avoids him, though their identities
and connection to the Smyth family remain a mystery. These encounters
have made the cemetery a hotspot for paranormal investigators, who use
EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) devices to capture alleged spirit
communications.
Palace Theatre
Located on Hanover Street in
downtown Manchester, the Palace Theatre opened in 1915 as a vaudeville
house and has since hosted countless performances, from Broadway shows
to concerts. Its ornate architecture, including a grand auditorium and
balcony, reflects the city's early 20th-century prosperity. However, the
theater's glamour is overshadowed by ghostly tales that have persisted
for generations, even attracting teams from shows like Ghost Hunters in
the early 2000s.
The most famous legend involves the "Grey Lady" or
"Woman in White," believed to be the spirit of a cleaner who died in the
building many years ago—possibly in the 1920s or 1930s. She's often seen
drifting through the hallways, on stage, or in the balcony, dressed in a
long white gown. Witnesses describe her as ethereal and non-threatening,
sometimes appearing during rehearsals or empty performances. Another
entity, sometimes called "Mary," lingers backstage and is thought to be
a former actress or staff member; she's associated with sudden
temperature drops and the sound of footsteps. Additional reports include
shadowy figures, malfunctioning lights, and objects moving on their own,
leading some to speculate multiple spirits reside here, perhaps tied to
the theater's history of fires, accidents, and performers' untimely
deaths.
Hesser College (Now Mount Washington College)
Originally founded in 1900 as a business school, Hesser College on
Hanover Street evolved into a higher education institution before
rebranding as Mount Washington College in the 2010s. The building's
older sections, with their creaky floors and dimly lit hallways, have
long fueled ghost stories among students and staff.
The primary
legend revolves around a young boy, possibly from the early 20th
century, who is heard bouncing a ball on the third and fourth floors.
When people investigate the noise, the boy vanishes, leaving only
echoes. This apparition is thought to be a child who died in the
building or nearby, perhaps during its time as a dormitory or from an
accident in the industrial era. Additionally, a female spirit is
reported to roam the halls, visiting rooms at night and sometimes
calming or startling residents—described as a woman in period clothing
who disappears into walls. These hauntings tie into Manchester's history
of child labor and urban hardships, making the site a subtle but
persistent entry in local paranormal lore.
Elliott Hospital
Founded in 1890, Elliott Hospital on Hanover Street is one of
Manchester's major medical centers, but its long history of treating the
sick and dying has led to tales of lingering spirits. According to local
accounts, a benevolent ghost—possibly a former nurse or patient—calms
frightened individuals, especially children, during stressful moments.
This entity is described as a comforting presence, sometimes manifesting
as a soft voice or gentle touch. While not malevolent, the hospital's
overall eerie vibe is amplified by reports of unexplained shadows and
equipment malfunctions, fitting the archetype of haunted medical
facilities.
R.G. Sullivan Building
This former cigar factory
on Granite Street, now repurposed, harks back to Manchester's tobacco
industry boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Legends claim
it's haunted by the spirits of child laborers who worked under harsh
conditions and may have died from accidents or illnesses. Witnesses
report hearing children's laughter, footsteps, or cries, along with
cigar smoke scents in smoke-free areas. The building's inclusion in
local ghost tours highlights its role in preserving tales of industrial
exploitation.
Other Notable Mentions
Millyard Museum: Housed
in a historic mill building, it's said to feature haunted exhibits with
paranormal activity tied to the city's textile workers, including
apparitions and object movements.
SNHU Arena: Some unsubstantiated
claims suggest hauntings by Native American spirits, colonists, and
modern figures, possibly due to the site's layered history, though
evidence is anecdotal.
These legends are often explored through
self-guided ghost tours or books like Manchester Ghosts by Renee
Mallett, which compiles eyewitness stories and historical context.
Abandoned Places in Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester's
industrial decline in the mid-20th century left behind numerous derelict
structures, many of which have been redeveloped or demolished. However,
a few remnants persist, offering glimpses into the city's past—though
urban exploration is often illegal and dangerous due to structural
instability. Here's an in-depth look at key abandoned or formerly
abandoned sites.
Abandoned Mosque (Islamic Society of New
Hampshire Masjid)
Located off Wellington Road near Elliot Hospital
(exit 8 from I-93), this unfinished mosque has stood as a skeletal
structure since groundbreaking in 2007. Purchased in 1998 for $38,000,
the 2.75-acre site was intended as a place of worship for Manchester's
Muslim community, but construction stalled due to funding shortages,
legal battles with neighbors, and post-9/11 backlash. For decades, the
half-built edifice—with exposed concrete and rebar—became an urban
legend, described as "creepy at night" by locals exploring it illicitly.
No hauntings are reported, but its eerie, abandoned state fueled rumors.
As of early 2025, the project is nearing completion after overcoming
setbacks, potentially ending its "abandoned" status soon.
Manchester B&M Switch Tower
This derelict railroad switch tower,
built in the early 20th century, stands as the last remnant of the
Boston & Maine (B&M) Railroad's vast rail yard in South Manchester,
which once serviced the city's textile mills. Located near the Merrimack
River, the tower controlled train switches and signals until the yard's
decline in the mid-1900s. Abandoned for decades, it's now a historical
marker, with graffiti-covered walls, broken windows, and overgrown
surroundings. Urban explorers document its interior, filled with rusted
levers and faded signage, evoking the era of steam locomotives. While
not haunted, its isolation lends a spooky ambiance; it's been featured
in YouTube explorations but faces potential demolition.
1915
Abandoned House (Manchester/Londonderry Border)
This decrepit
single-family home, built in 1915, stood abandoned for years on the
border between Manchester and Londonderry, likely vacated in the late
20th century due to disrepair or economic shifts. Videos from explorers
show rotting interiors, collapsed ceilings, and personal artifacts like
old furniture, hinting at a sudden departure. It burned down in a fire a
few years ago, erasing it from the landscape, but prior to that, it
exemplified rural abandonment amid urban sprawl.
Hanover Street
Mystery House (Demolished)
At 567 Hanover Street, this house sat
empty since a 1977 fire that damaged it beyond repair. Boarded up for
over 40 years, it became a neighborhood enigma, spawning rumors of
hauntings, murders, drug activity, and even vampires due to its gothic
appearance and isolation. Owned by a local resident who delayed
demolition, it was finally razed in 2018, putting an end to the
speculation—but not before inspiring local lore.
Other abandoned
spots, like former mill buildings or the scrapped UNH campus project
from the 1980s, have mostly been repurposed, reflecting Manchester's
ongoing revitalization. Always respect property laws and safety when
learning about these sites—many are private or hazardous.
Manchester occupies a valley setting along the Merrimack River,
surrounded by wooded hills, lakes, and the Amoskeag Falls—a significant
waterfall on the river that historically powered the city's industrial
growth. The topography features gently rolling terrain shaped by glacial
activity during the last Ice Age, with the city nestled amid the broader
Merrimack River valley. Elevations range from a low of about 110 feet
above sea level near the river to a high of 570 feet at Wellington Hill,
the city's highest point. The mean elevation is approximately 210 to 346
feet, depending on measurement sources, reflecting the varied landscape.
The surrounding region includes the distant Presidential Range of the
White Mountains to the north, which can influence local weather patterns
and provide a scenic backdrop on clear days. Neighboring municipalities
border Manchester on all sides: Hooksett to the north, Auburn to the
east, Londonderry to the southeast, Litchfield and Merrimack to the
south, Bedford to the southwest, and Goffstown to the west. The
metropolitan area encompasses these towns, expanding the urban footprint
beyond the city limits.
Geologically, Manchester lies within the
Merrimack Belt of the Appalachian region, characterized by metamorphic
rocks from ancient mountain-building events. Surficial geology includes
glacial till, outwash plains, and river deposits, with bedrock surfaces
varying in depth. This glacial history has created fertile soils in the
valley, supporting mixed forests of deciduous and coniferous trees, as
well as wetlands and small hills that dot the landscape.
The city covers a total area of 34.93 square miles, comprising 33.07 square miles of land and 1.87 square miles of water (about 5.33% water). The broader urban area extends to 86.1 square miles, incorporating suburban and semi-rural zones. Much of the land is developed for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes, but natural areas persist, including parks along the river and forested hills.
Manchester straddles the Merrimack River, a major waterway that bisects the city from north to south and has been central to its development. The river is fed by tributaries such as the Piscataquog River (flowing in from the west) and Cohas Brook (from the south), which drain the local watershed. Massabesic Lake, a large reservoir on the eastern border shared with Auburn, serves as a primary water source for the region and offers recreational opportunities like fishing and boating. The Amoskeag Falls, located within the city, drop about 50 feet and create a dynamic hydrological feature, though much of the flow is now controlled by dams for hydroelectric power and flood management. Overall, the hydrology supports diverse ecosystems, including riparian zones and wetlands, but also poses occasional flood risks during heavy rains or snowmelt.
Manchester experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa), marked by four distinct seasons: long, cold, and snowy winters; warm, humid summers; and brief, crisp springs and falls. Northeasterly winds contribute to the snowy winters, while proximity to the Atlantic moderates extremes somewhat. Average annual temperatures hover around 50.1°F, with January lows averaging 17.1°F and July highs reaching 84.1°F. Extremes have ranged from -29°F (February 1943) to 103°F (July 2011). Precipitation is evenly distributed at about 40 inches annually, with winter being the driest and early spring the wettest; snowfall averages 64 inches per year. Humidity remains moderate year-round.
Indigenous Peoples and Pre-Colonial Era
The area now known as
Manchester, New Hampshire, has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for
over 12,000 years, drawn primarily to the Amoskeag Falls on the
Merrimack River, a 50-foot drop that formed a vital fishing site.
Archaeological evidence from sites like Neville, Smyth, and Eddy along
the river reveals continuous occupation and stewardship by groups such
as the Abenaki, Pennacook, and other Wabanaki peoples. The name
"Amoskeag" derives from the Algonquin dialect, meaning "one takes small
fish" or "good fishing place," highlighting the cultural and economic
significance of the falls. Artifacts from the Neville site (dating
8,000–5,000 years ago) include projectile points, scrapers, ceramics,
and tools, while the Smyth site yielded repatriated remains of eight
individuals under NAGPRA processes. The Eddy site features some of the
earliest pottery in the region.
These communities practiced diverse
lifeways, including hunting, gathering, fishing, and agriculture, with
sophisticated governance, spirituality, and festivals. Oral traditions
and place-names underscore their deep connection to the landscape.
European contact in the 1500s–1600s brought epidemics, violence,
enslavement, and land dispossession, decimating populations. Conflicts,
such as those from 1722–1725, saw Indigenous resistance against colonial
expansion, often framed in settler records as subjugation. Despite
erasure in colonial narratives, Indigenous survivance persists through
repatriations (e.g., 2006 from the Smyth site) and contemporary
contributions by figures like Paul Pouliot of the Cowasuck Band of the
Pennacook-Abenaki People.
Colonial Settlement and Early
Development (18th Century)
European settlement began in 1722 when
John Goffe III established a small community beside Cohas Brook,
initially called "Old Harry's Town." In 1727, the Province of
Massachusetts Bay granted the area as "Tyngstown" to veterans of Queen
Anne's War under Captain William Tyng. After New Hampshire separated
from Massachusetts in 1741, the grant was invalidated, and the land was
rechartered in 1751 as "Derryfield" by Governor Benning Wentworth. The
name "Derryfield" endures in local landmarks like Derryfield Park and
the Derryfield School.
The region's economy initially focused on
fishing at Amoskeag Falls, farming, and small-scale trade. By the late
18th century, visionaries like Samuel Blodgett recognized the falls'
potential for industry. In 1807, Blodgett constructed a canal and lock
system to bypass the falls, linking the area to Boston and facilitating
navigation. He envisioned it as "the Manchester of America," inspired by
England's industrial powerhouse.
Rise of Industry and Renaming
(Early 19th Century)
In 1809, Benjamin Prichard built the first
water-powered cotton spinning mill on the Merrimack's western bank,
marking the onset of industrialization. Following Blodgett's death,
Derryfield was renamed Manchester in 1810 to reflect its industrial
ambitions. The Amoskeag Cotton & Woolen Manufacturing Company,
incorporated in 1810, expanded rapidly; by 1826, it had three mills, and
in 1831, it reincorporated as the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company under
Massachusetts entrepreneurs.
By 1838, company engineers planned a
model town on the eastern bank, with Elm Street as the central
thoroughfare. Manchester incorporated as a city in 1846. The Amoskeag
mills grew into the world's largest cotton mill complex—Mill No. 11
alone was 900 feet long, 103 feet wide, and housed 4,000 looms. Products
included textiles, shoes, cigars, paper, rifles, sewing machines, and
locomotives via the Amoskeag Locomotive Works. An arch dam built in 1871
enhanced water power. By 1912, the mills produced cloth at 50 miles per
hour.
This era transformed Manchester into New England's industrial
hub, with canals, railroads, and factories proliferating. Streetcars
connected suburbs like Mast Road, and the Manchester Street Railway
operated until the 1940s bus transition.
Immigration, Growth, and
Peak Industrial Era (Late 19th–Early 20th Century)
Rapid expansion
demanded labor, attracting immigrants, especially French Canadians,
Irish, and others. By 1905, Manchester was a melting pot, with ethnic
communities establishing churches, schools, and organizations. The
Amoskeag Company employed thousands, including young "mill girls" from
farms who lived in company boardinghouses. The city became the largest
textile producer globally, with supporting industries like banking and
crafts thriving. Electric streetcars improved accessibility, and
education expanded with public and parochial schools, plus institutions
like Saint Anselm College (1889).
Cultural life flourished with
theaters, lectures, and preserved traditions. In 1922, 17,000 workers
struck for nine months in the New England Textile Strike. World War I
and the Great Depression signaled decline, but World War II boosted
production, with Grenier Field becoming a U.S. Army air base. Population
peaked at over 70,000 by 1930.
Decline and Challenges (Mid-20th
Century)
Post-WWII, manufacturing waned due to foreign competition,
technological obsolescence, and economic shifts. The Amoskeag Company
bankrupted in 1935, reorganizing as Amoskeag Industries but diversifying
unsuccessfully. The 1936 Great Flood caused $2.5 million in damage,
destroying bridges and mills. By the 1950s–1960s, mills abandoned,
canals filled for roads, and urban renewal demolished structures. An
anthrax outbreak in 1957 led to mill demolitions.
The 1977 Mall of
New Hampshire opening accelerated downtown decline. Bank failures in
1991 closed shops on Elm Street. Population stagnated, and the city
faced economic depression.
Revitalization and Modern Era (Late
20th–21st Century)
Renewal began in the 1980s with interest in the
Millyard. The University of New Hampshire at Manchester opened there,
and inventor Dean Kamen converted mills into DEKA headquarters,
fostering high-tech growth. Collaborations with developers like John
Madden improved infrastructure. City Hall Plaza (1992) became New
Hampshire's tallest building.
Since 2000, tech firms like Autodesk
(2000) and Dyn (2004) relocated to the Millyard. Brady Sullivan
developed apartments in 2013. The Verizon Wireless Arena (2001, now SNHU
Arena) hosted events, boosting tourism. Cultural sites include the
Currier Museum of Art, Palace Theatre, and Millyard Museum.
Revitalization preserved Victorian architecture while diversifying the
economy into tech, healthcare, and education.
Challenges included the
opioid crisis, peaking in 2016 with the highest per capita deaths
nationally, but rates dropped to a 10-year low by 2023 through state and
local efforts. Population grew to 115,644 by 2020, making Manchester New
Hampshire's largest city and a cultural-commerce hub. As of December
2025, ongoing developments include repurposed mills into mixed-use
spaces, enhancing its blend of history and innovation.
In 1773, a good fifty years after the arrival of the first settlers, the town had 279 inhabitants. As of July 1, 2015, the city had a population of 110,229, according to an estimate by the United States Census Bureau; this means that the city's growth has fallen to a low level in recent decades. As in many other US states in the north with low immigration, the old age of the baby boomer generation is making itself felt.
The University of New Hampshire has a college in Manchester. In addition, on the northeastern outskirts is the private Southern New Hampshire University. A number of other universities and colleges offer a wide range of educational opportunities.
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is a fast growing airport in
Manchester.
Interstate 93 connects the city to Boston,
Massachusetts.
Cultural landmarks include the historic Palace Theatre, the Currier Art Museum, the Art Institute of New Hampshire, the Franco-American Center, the Manchester Historical Association's Millyard Museum, the Massabesic Audubon Center, the Amoskeag Fishways Visitors and Education Center, the Lawrence L. Lee Scouting Museum and Max I. Silber Library, and the SEE Science Center. The Valley Cemetery, the resting place of many famous citizens since 1841, is an early example of landscape-style cemeteries.
Manchester is the only city in the state of New Hampshire to have
professional sports clubs. As such, the city has several large-scale
sports arenas:
the Verizon Wireless Arena is an ice hockey arena
occupied by the Manchester Monarchs, an ice hockey club playing in the
ECHL;
Northeast Delta Dental Stadium is a baseball stadium occupied
by the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, a minor baseball club playing in the
Eastern League.
Baseball
The history of professional baseball
in Manchester dates back to the late 19th century. New Hampshire had, at
the end of the 19th century, its own baseball league, the New Hampshire
State League, which had several clubs in the city during its history.
But it is above all in the New England League that many baseball clubs
in the city will succeed: the Manchester Reds in 1877, and, among the
best known, the Manchester Blue Sox from 1926 to 1930, the Giants, and
the Yankees. Gill Stadium, built in 1913, has hosted a number of these
clubs.
Since 2004 and the construction of the Merchantsauto.com
Stadium baseball stadium, the club has been home to the New Hampshire
Fisher Cats professional team, which plays at the Double-A level in the
Eastern League.