A Little History…
Journeying from the seaboard towards the Connecticut River, upon or near the line between Massachusetts and New Hampshire, three isolated mountain peaks form conspicuous landmarks to the traveller–Watatic, Monadnock and Wachusett. About halfway between the two latter lies the little village of New Ipswich, whose records make an interesting page of New England history.
In the year 1621 King James granted to one John Mason a tract of land that lay between the Piscataqua and Naumkeag (i.e., between Portsmouth and Salem), and extended about sixty miles into the interior. Two years later Mason and those associated with him took possession of this grant; and this was the germ of the Province of New Hampshire. Mason died soon after, and his death was followed by the revolution in England. The claim, during this period was neglected, and it was not until after the Restoration that it was revived. In 1745 it was decided that John Tufton Mason, a native of Boston and a great-grandson of Mason, the original grantee, held rightful title to the Province of New Hampshire.
- As the settlement of the province progressed, the frequent attacks of the Indians obliged the settlers to seek aid and protection from their neighbors of the older and strong Province of Massachusetts.
- As the southern portion of the Mason territory was claimed by both provinces, Massachusetts, as a matter of policy and a means of fortifying her claims, promptly gave assistance to New Hampshire, securing thereby the adherence of those whom she protected.
- Some years later the older province began to apportion out vacant or province lands. To the descendants of the soldiers of King Philip’s war the General Assembly of Massachusetts gave the “Narragansett Townships;” to the descendants of those who followed Sir William Phipps into Canada were apportioned the “Canada Townships.”
- These grants were made at the session of the General Court of Massachusetts in the years 1735-6, so that the town of New Ipswich refers to the initial measure of its settlement to this day.
Welcome to the Town of New Ipswich
The physical characteristics of New Ipswich made it an ideal location for industry in the early days of its settlement. Hills, mountains and valleys with riverlets emptying into the larger Souhegan River provided a surplus of water power to run the many saw mills, grist mills, starch mills and textile manufacturing plants in the Town’s past.
Today, the only textile mill still in existence and operational is the Warwick Mill, which is now call Warwick Mills. This mill is notable as an example of fine brick work, as well as being the site of the second textile manufacturing plant established in New Hampshire.
- New Ipswich is a town of villages. Wilder Village to the west on Route 124 was the site of the Wilder Chair Factory from 1810 to 1869 and was home to the famous and much sought after Wilder Chair.
- Continuing toward the Center Village is Davis Village and then to the South is Smith Village.
- To the East of Center Village are Bank Village and High Bridge.
During the past century, each of these villages was a busy community with its own industry. Today these villages are mainly residential. To read more about the history of our town, please click the link below.