Grafton, New Hampshire Facts for Kids

Originally granted in 1761, and re-granted in 1769, Grafton, like the county it resides in, takes its name from Augustus FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Grafton, a relative of colonial governor Benning Wentworth. Grafton was incorporated in 1778.

Historically, Grafton's economic base consisted of subsistence farming, small-scale industry, and mining. Several mica mines and granite quarries once dotted the town's landscape, most notably Ruggles Mine.

The United Mica Company operated this mill between 1909 and 1916. Image c. 1909

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 42.6 square miles (110.3 km²), of which 41.7 square miles (108.0 km²) is land and 0.9 square miles (2.3 km²) is water, comprising 2.19% of the town. The highest point in Grafton is the summit of Melvin Mountain, at 2,177 feet (664 m) above sea level. Grafton Pond is in the western part of town. Grafton lies mostly within the Merrimack River watershed, though the western edge of town is in the Connecticut River watershed.

Demographics

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1790	403	—
1800	682	69.2%
1810	931	36.5%
1820	1,094	17.5%
1830	1,207	10.3%
1840	1,201	−0.5%
1850	1,259	4.8%
1860	1,150	−8.7%
1870	907	−21.1%
1880	934	3.0%
1890	787	−15.7%
1900	748	−5.0%
1910	641	−14.3%
1920	554	−13.6%
1930	539	−2.7%
1940	552	2.4%
1950	442	−19.9%
1960	348	−21.3%
1970	370	6.3%
1980	739	99.7%
1990	923	24.9%
2000	1,138	23.3%
2010	1,340	17.8%
2020	1,385	3.4%
U.S. Decennial Census

As of the census of 2010, there were 1,340 people, 564 households, and 372 families residing in the town. The population density was 32.1 people per square mile (12.4/km²). There were 839 housing units at an average density of 20.1 per square mile (7.8/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.7% White, 0.3% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% some other race, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.

There were 564 households, out of which 24.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.4% were headed by married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. 26.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% consisted of someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38, and the average family size was 2.84.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 18.8% under the age of 18, 5.2% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 36.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 112.1 males.

At the 2000 census, the median income for a household in the town was $38,654, and the median income for a family was $41,875. Males had a median income of $30,074 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,944. About 4.2% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.0% of those under age 18 and 4.1% of those age 65 or over.

Sites of interest

Ruggles Mine

Notable people

Monroe Heath (1827–1894), mayor of Chicago from 1876–1879
Myra Belle Martin (1861–?), teacher, writer, financier in late 19th century and early 20th century
Cyrus A. Sulloway (1839–1917), congressman

Images for kids

In continuous operation since the 1840s, this store is now known as the Grafton Country Store. Image c. 1919.

Grafton, New Hampshire facts for kids

Contents

History

Geography

Demographics

Sites of interest

Notable people

Images for kids

See also