Exeter

History

Exeter was previously the field of Squamscott Native Americans, which is Pennacook nation’s sub-tribe that fished at the falls of the tidal Squamscott (then Exeter River), the place around where the town would flourish. Rev. John Wheelwright and the others acquired the land on April 3, 1638 from the sagamore, Wehanownowit. The reverend was banished by a puritan theocracy, the Massachusetts Bay Colony, for revealing the dissenting religious beliefs of Anne Hutchinson, his sister-in-law. He brought with him around 175 people to discover Exeter for which he named after Exeter in England (Devon).

Exeter was among the 4 early communities in the province and initially included Fremont, Newfields, Brentwood, Newmarket, and Epping. The town had 35 freemen who signed the Exeter Combination on July 4, 1639, a paper that was written by Rev. John Wheelwright to form their government. The inhabitants fished, hunted and planted, while the others looked after the swine and cattle or made barrel staves and shakes.

The first grist mill was established by Thomas Wilson on the island’s eastern part located in the lower falls. It was create   d in the early period of living in the town, and Humphrey, his son, had taken control of the grist mill when his father died in 1643.

The town’s efficiency as a publishing center was harmonized by a variety of other manufacturers. Soon after 1638, Squamscott River’s lower falls were employed for grist mills, and in the late 1640s, sawmills were developed by Edward Gilman and the others. Subsequently, the supremacy of the town’s numerous streams did not stop to produce wealth until the 20^th century. By the year 1795, the 2 waterfalls located at the center of Exeter powered 2 mills to press linseed oil, fulling mill to clean woolen cloth, 4 grist mills, and 4 sawmills. There were times when other waterpower sites maintained the state’s early gunpowder plant, chocolate mills, paper mills, and several other sawmills and grist mills.

Area and Climate

Exeter is located in Rockingham County in the state of New Hampshire. The town’s highest point is 250 feet over Great Hill’s sea level at the southwest corner of the town. It fully rests within the coastal watershed of Piscataqua River.

Exeter received 48” of rain each year, and this is higher than the US average of 37. It receives 54” of snowfall, which is also higher than what the average US city gets each year (25). The town has 196 sunny days yearly, with July having the highest temperature and January having the lowest temperature.

Real Estate and Cost of Living

The approximate value of a condo or house in 2000 was $126,600 and $224,261 in 2011.

2011’s mean cost for all home units was $235,259, $220,334 for townhomes and attached units, $58,855 for mobile homes, $331,106 for detached homes; $362,050 for 2-unit structures, $271,044 for 3- to 4-unit structures, and $132,074 for 5-unit structures or more.

The town’s cost of living in March 2012 was 133.2, which is higher than the US average of 100.

Lifestyle and Things to Do

The town of Exeter is very historic. The sites and buildings within the area date to a lot of significant points during the past of New Hampshire, the seacoast region, and the United States, in general. Exeter boasts of numerous parks and tons of green areas for outdoor activities. American Independence Museum, Philips Exeter Academy, Folsom Tavern, Ladd Gilman House, and Swasey Parkway are wonderful spots to visit while visiting the town. Your visit must include a stay at any of these places. There are public sites here, whereas some are not for profits or are owned privately.

Swasey Parkway is lined with park benches and trees for everyone’s enjoyment. In 2007, the Pavilion has already been completed and is utilized for yearly parks and recreation summer concerts, along with the other happenings. It is also an ideal spot for outdoor activities, including strolling, jogging, picnic, or simply basking in the fresh air.

Floor Plans