Known as the "Colonial Capital of New Hampshire," Exeter is one of the most attractive towns in the state.
Exeter was one of the four original towns established in New Hampshire. It was first known as Squamscott, and was given the name Exeter by the settlement's managers, the Exeter Combination, a group of English colonizers. The river location of the town made it a shipbuilding center and West Indies trading port.
A walk along the tree-lined streets of Exeter is a stroll through history. Since the town first was settled in 1638, there's always been a strong sense of community here. Through the years, Exeter grew from a colonial village to a thriving, industrious, 18th-century mill town with a river-based economy. Along the way, many historical figures emerged and gave Exeter its lasting legacy. John Taylor Gilman, native son and staunch Federalist, read a copy of the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the Town House when it finally reached Exeter on July 16, 1775. After the war, President George Washington visited Exeter to formally thank the townspeople for their efforts, stopping by Folsom Tavern for breakfast. And in 1853, former state representative and abolitionist Amos Tuck broke with the Democrats over the question of slavery to form a national party called the Republicans.
History lives today at the American Independence Museum, where visitors can tour the Ladd-Gilman House, which served as the state treasury during the Revolution. Each summer, Exeter's Revolutionary War Festival is held on the museum grounds; more than 10,000 people flock to Exeter that weekend to experience a militia encampment and re-enactment of the Revolutionary War. Exeter is home to Phillips Exeter Academy, endowed by Colonel John Phillips in 1781.
Water Street, Exeter's main thoroughfare, is lined with small shops offering clothing, handmade candies, trendy gifts, books, New Hampshire-made crafts, children's toys and more. A variety of restaurants are popular gathering spots for locals and tourists alike. At the center of town is Exeter's classic bandstand, where the oldest, continuously-organized brass band in the country performs during the summer.
The community is excitedly anticipating new ventures to attract tourists to Exeter, including restoration of a passenger rail service early in 2001. With its convenient proximity to nearby centers of industry, Exeter continues to be a bustling community with a wonderful spirit.
Schools
Lincoln Street School (Grades 3-5)
Main Street School (Grades K-2)
Cooperative Middle School (Grades 6-9)
Exeter High School
Town Events
Revolutionary War Days
Summer Concerts in Swazey Park
Christmas Parade
Farmers Market
 |
|
|
Property Tax Rate (2006) $19.26 per $1,000 |
Manchester > 28 miles |
