About Manchester & New Hampshire
About the Manchester Region
Located in south central New Hampshire along the Merrimack River, Manchester NH is the largest city in northern New England. Manchester and the surrounding communities contain a rich and diverse history that can still be seen today in the unique architecture, museums, culture, and demographics of the region. Manchester is twenty miles from the Massachusetts border, fifty-eight miles from Boston and is conveniently located within an hour's drive of destinations such as the seacoast and the lakes region.
Climate
There are four seasons in Manchester and the climate is typical of northern New England states.
Average daily temperature in January: 20.0 degrees F
Average daily temperature in July: 70.0 degrees F
Average snowfall in January: 18 inches
Average precipitation in July: 3.1 inches
State Facts
On June 21, 1788 New Hampshire became the ninth of the original 13 states to ratify the Constitution. New Hampshire holds the first in the nation presidential primary.
State Capital: Concord
State Bird: Purple Finch
State Flower: Purple Lilac
State Tree: White Birch
State Motto: "Live Free or Die"
Nickname: The Granite State
Highest Point: Mt. Washington at 6,288 feet
State Government
New Hampshire has a 24-seat Senate and a 400-seat Assembly. It is represented in Congress by two senators and two representatives and has four electoral votes.
Manchester History
The Merrimack Valley was originally inhabited by various groups of Native Americans. Remnants of the Native American tribes remain not only in the form of artifacts found along the banks of the Merrimack, but in language as well. One of the most familiar names in Manchester is Amoskeag, which means "place of many fish". Amoskeag Falls on the Merrimack River was a source of food for native peoples, where it is said the salmon were so thick one could almost walk across the river on their backs. European's settled Manchester in 1722 as a farming community several miles east of the river. For many years the town was known as Derryfield until it was renamed Manchester in 1810 to honor Samuel Blodget's vision of a great industrial city like that of Manchester England. Samuel Blodget developed a canal and lock system around the Amoskeag Falls that opened a trade route from Boston to Concord. The canal and lock system made it possible for the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company to open its doors in 1838, becoming the world's largest cotton milling operation with 64 mills lining the banks of the Merrimack. The mills brought cultural diversity to the city as immigrants moved to Manchester looking for good paying mill jobs. The Irish were the first ethnic group to work in the mills, followed closely by French Canadians. By 1910 the population had grown to include Polish, Greek, English, German, Scotch, Welsh, Swedish, Lithuanian, Italian, Russian, Finnish and Jewish immigrants. Today the city of Manchester remains a diverse melting pot. Its diversity is demonstrated in the number of languages spoken at home by Manchester school children which currently tops 70. Depression-era difficulties affected Manchester and in 1936, following years of decline, the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company closed down. The city's economy was badly affected and for a number of years Manchester lost jobs and population. What followed, however, was a period of rebuilding. By the mid-1990's Manchester had not only recovered but was one of the nation's fastest-growing cities, renovating and using the mills once again for large and small business alike. The millyard now houses The University of New Hampshire Manchester campus, several high tech companies, web site companies, museums, insurance and manufacturing companies, just to name a few.
Culture and Recreation
Today Manchester is not only considered the financial center of the state, but it is home to the state's largest civic arena and a majority of New Hampshire's major cultural institutions including the Currier Museum of Art - one of the finest small galleries in the country. Manchester and the surrounding towns provide an eclectic blend of urban amenities and country atmosphere. Nationally known performers light up the stage at the Palace Theatre in downtown Manchester and at the Dana Center at St. Anselm's College in nearby Goffstown. The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra, the Opera League of New Hampshire and other noted performing groups from around New Hampshire also perform at the Palace Theater. Exhibits, lectures, films and performances are featured at the New Hampshire Institute of Art, the Manchester Public Library and many of the area college campuses.
For the outdoor enthusiast, the city boasts 900 acres of parks, playgrounds and public spaces. Boating and fishing are available on scenic Lake Massabesic, and the city has numerous golf courses and even kayaking on the Merrimack River. The city also harbors an AHL hockey team - the Manchester Monarchs, a double-A baseball team - the NH Fisher Cats, and the only AF2 arena football team in New England - the Manchester Wolves.
The local cuisine reflects the diverse tastes and ethnic origins of the population and includes everything from classic New England fare to Greek, Italian, Oriental, Thai and Mexican. There are a number of ethnic festivals throughout the year, as well as old-fashioned country fairs, art shows and musical events.
Transportation (Getting Here)
By Car:
If you are visiting the Manchester Area by car, you will find it is strategically situated at the intersection of the state's major north/south and east/west highway systems. From the North follow Interstate 93S. From the South follow either Interstate 93N or the F.E. Everett Turnpike North. From the East or West follow Route 101. Once near the city Route 293, which follows the Merrimack River, will have several exits to lead you to the downtown or surrounding area.
By Mass Transit:
The Manchester Transit Authority runs regularly scheduled bus service throughout the city. Service from Manchester to Boston and other New England cities is available through Concord Trailways, Vermont Transit, and several other bus lines. The city also has a number of reservation-based taxi and limousine services.
The Manchester Transit Authority and Bus Station
(603) 623-8801
www.mtabus.org
Grace Limousine
(603) 666-0203
www.gracelimo.com
By Plane:
Manchester and the outlying communities are served by Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. The airport is home to eight national airlines and offers travelers convenient non-stop service to 15 leading U.S. cities and Toronto Canada. There is bus service from the airport to downtown. On-demand taxi service is also available from the Airport at the Commercial Ground Transportation curb outside the Passenger Terminal.
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
(603) 624-6539
www.flymanchester.com
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