Dunstable, New Hampshire facts for kids
Dunstable, New Hampshire was once an important town in New Hampshire. It isn't a town anymore! Instead, it was divided into several towns and cities you might know today. These include Nashua, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, and Merrimack.
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The Story of Old Dunstable
Dunstable started as a much larger area. It was part of a big town called Dunstable, Massachusetts. Back then, the state of Massachusetts was much bigger than it is now. It stretched all the way from Rhode Island up to what is now Maine.
A River Runs Through It
The original land of Dunstable was split by the Merrimack River. This river was super important for trade. People used it to move valuable furs and logs. Dunstable officially became a town in 1673.
During a time of conflict called Queen Anne's War, there was a raid on the town in 1706. This event was part of the history of early settlements in the area.
The Border Changes
In 1741, something big happened. The border between New Hampshire and Massachusetts was officially surveyed. This survey showed that the northern part of Dunstable was actually in New Hampshire.
So, in 1746, this northern part became its own New Hampshire town. Both the New Hampshire and Massachusetts parts of Dunstable grew and became successful. Many small villages popped up along the Merrimack River. Other rivers like Salmon Brook, the Nashua River, Pennichuck Brook, and the Souhegan River also helped these areas grow.
Dunstable Becomes Nashua
Over many years, new towns were created from parts of the original Dunstable area. This happened on both sides of the state line. By 1836, the part of Dunstable that was still called "Dunstable, New Hampshire" got a new name. It was renamed "Nashua."
Why the Name Nashua?
The name "Nashua" came from the Nashua River. This river flowed into the Merrimack River right where the town was. That spot was once known as "Indian Head."
Six years later, in 1842, Nashua actually split into two towns: "Nashville" and "Nashua." But they didn't stay separate for long! In 1853, they joined back together. That's when they officially became the "City of Nashua."
Where is Dunstable Today?
The name "Nashville" is still remembered in Nashua. You can find the Nashville Historic District there. And the old name "Dunstable" is still around too! You can see it in street names like "New Dunstable Road," "Main Dunstable Road," and "East Dunstable Road." These names remind us of the town's long history.
