Coos, New Hampshire facts for kids

Coos, New Hampshire is a special name for the northern part of New Hampshire. It was once a wild border area, important during the American Revolution. Back then, a military base was set up in Haverhill, New Hampshire. Its job was to protect the land claims of New Hampshire and help with fighting during the war, especially towards Canada.

The name "Coos" itself comes from the Abenaki people, a Native American tribe who used to live and travel through this area. Even before 1704, this place was known to be very important for defense by different governments, including the French in New France.

In 1803, a new county was created in New Hampshire and named Coos. This new county included parts of what was then Grafton County.

What is Coos, New Hampshire?

The name "Coos" refers to a historic and geographic region in northern New Hampshire. It's known for its beautiful natural areas and important past.

Early History of the Coos Region

Long ago, the Coos area was a significant place for Native American tribes, especially the Abenaki. They used the rivers and lands for hunting, fishing, and travel.

Later, during the 1700s, this region became very important for both the British and the French. They were often fighting over control of North America. The Coos area was seen as a key spot because of its location near major rivers.

Fort Wentworth and Early Defenses

In 1755, a fort called Fort Wentworth was planned to be built. It was meant to be located where the Upper Ammonoosuc River meets the Connecticut River in what is now Northumberland, New Hampshire. A group of soldiers known as Rogers' Rangers were supposed to build it. This fort would have helped protect the area and control travel along the rivers.

Understanding the Coos Rivers

The Coos region is known for its rivers. The Upper Ammonoosuc River flows into the Connecticut River near Northumberland. There is also another river with a similar name, the Ammonoosuc River. This second river flows through Grafton County and joins the Connecticut River across from Newbury, Vermont.

Upper Coos and Lower Coos

When people talk about the "upper Coos," they usually mean the area around Lancaster, New Hampshire. Lancaster is the main town, or county seat, of Coos County. The "lower Coos" refers to the area around Newbury, Vermont, which is across the Connecticut River from New Hampshire. These two areas are about 40 miles apart.

Coos During the American Revolution

During the American Revolution, the Coos region played a role in protecting the new American states. The military base at Haverhill helped to keep the northern borders safe. It also supported American efforts to fight against the British in Canada. This shows how important the Coos area was for defense during the war.