Henniker, New Hampshire

The picturesque town of Henniker, lying some twenty miles west of Concord in Merrimack County, is the quintessential New England village. Located on the banks of the Contoocook River, the town was originally called simply "Number 6," as one of a string of settlements situated between the Connecticut and Merrimack Rivers. It was later called New Marlborough after settlers came from Marlborough, MA and then Todd's Town after an Andrew Todd who had received a land grant in the area. It was officially incorporated as Henniker by Governor John Wentworth in 1768 and named for Sir John Henniker, a London merchant with business ties in New Hampshire. With that naming, the town proudly proclaims that it is "the only Henniker on Earth."

Henniker is on the outer edge of southern New Hampshire's population growth and consequently has retained its rural charm, boasting a relatively stable population of just over 4000. At the junction of Routes 202 and 114, it is 9 miles from Interstate 89, making a drive to Concord about twenty minutes or a half-hour to Manchester.

Part of Henniker's appeal is that it is home to New England College, a 1000-student four-year institution offering Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Master of Education degrees. Also located in the town is Pats Peak Ski Area, which offers some of the most challenging downhill skiing in southern New Hampshire. The ski area offers year-round recreational opportunities and, during ski season, annually draws over 8000 children from over 100 schools throughout the southern part of the state for its Learn to Ski and Snowboard Program.

The town has its own schools K-8. High school students attend John Stark Regional High School.

Sources:

Town of Henniker

State profile of Henniker

Wikipedia Profile of Henniker