According to ITYPETRAVEL.COM, Epsom, New Hampshire is a small town located in Merrimack County in the southern part of the state. It is situated between Concord and Manchester, two of the larger cities in the area. The town is bordered by Deerfield to the north, Chichester to the east, Pittsfield to the south, and Allenstown to the west. The terrain is mostly flat with some hills and valleys scattered throughout. There are several small lakes in Epsom, including Clough Pond and Lake Massabesic which provide recreational activities for residents and visitors alike. The majority of the land is used for either farming or forestry purposes with some residential areas scattered throughout as well. The climate in Epsom is generally mild with cold winters and warm summers. Rainfall averages around 38 inches per year while snowfall averages around 25 inches per year. In terms of elevation, Epsom ranges from about 200 feet above sea level at its lowest point near Clough Pond to nearly 500 feet above sea level at its highest point near Lake Massabesic. All these characteristics together make Epsom a desirable place to live for those looking for a rural lifestyle with easy access to nearby cities like Concord and Manchester.
History of Epsom, New Hampshire
According to TOPSCHOOLSOFLAW.COM, Epsom, New Hampshire was first settled in 1747 by a group of colonists from nearby Epsom, England. The town was originally known as “Epsom Village” and was part of the much larger town of Chichester. In 1763, Epsom Village became its own separate town and took the name of the English town it had been named after. Over the next few decades, agriculture became an important part of the local economy with many farmers cultivating crops such as corn, potatoes, and hay. As time went on, more industries began to come to Epsom such as sawmills and grist mills which helped to further develop the local economy.
The late 19th century saw an influx of immigrants from Ireland and other European countries who came to Epsom looking for work in its many industries. This influx helped to shape the population and culture of Epsom for years to come. During this same period, a number of schools were built including a high school which opened in 1876.
In 1895, an electric trolley line was opened which connected Epsom with other towns in Merrimack County making it easier for people to travel between each one. This trolley line helped stimulate economic growth in the area by bringing more people into town as well as making it easier for people to commute back and forth between their homes and jobs in nearby cities like Manchester or Concord.
In recent years, Epsom has seen a resurgence of economic activity with new businesses coming into town such as restaurants and shops that have helped give life back into downtown area. This along with local attractions like Lake Massabesic have made it once again a desirable place for tourists and those looking for a rural lifestyle close enough to big cities like Manchester or Concord yet far enough away so that they can still enjoy all that nature has to offer here in Epsom New Hampshire.
Economy of Epsom, New Hampshire
The economy of Epsom, New Hampshire is largely based on agriculture and tourism. The town has a long history of farming, with many farmers cultivating crops such as corn, potatoes, and hay. In recent years, more industries have come to Epsom such as sawmills and grist mills which have helped to further develop the local economy.
In addition to its agricultural industry, Epsom has seen an influx of tourists in recent years due to its close proximity to the larger cities of Manchester and Concord. The town is home to Lake Massabesic which offers visitors a variety of recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and camping. Other attractions include the Epsom Historical Museum which houses artifacts from all eras of the town’s history as well as Antique Alley which features an array of antiques for sale from local vendors.
The downtown area has also seen a resurgence in recent years with new restaurants and shops popping up providing locals and visitors alike with additional dining and shopping options. This along with the many attractions in the area have made it once again a desirable destination for those looking for some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of city life yet close enough to take advantage of all that Manchester or Concord have to offer.
Overall, Epsom’s economy is diverse with a mix of agricultural businesses, tourism-related ventures, small shops and restaurants all helping to bring life back into this small New Hampshire town.
Politics in Epsom, New Hampshire
The town of Epsom, New Hampshire is governed by a three-member Board of Selectmen who are elected to serve two-year terms. The Board of Selectmen is responsible for setting the overall policy direction for the town and serves as the executive branch for the town government. They are also responsible for appointing members to various boards and commissions such as the Planning Board, Zoning Board, and Conservation Commission.
The legislative branch of Epsom’s government is comprised of a five-member Town Meeting which meets twice annually. The Town Meeting is responsible for voting on proposed ordinances and budgets as well as approving certain appointments made by the Board of Selectmen.
Epsom is part of New Hampshire’s First Congressional District which is represented in Congress by Democrat Chris Pappas. On the state level, Epsom is represented in both chambers of the New Hampshire General Court by Republican Representatives Bill O’Brien and Richard Hinch.
The citizens of Epsom have a long history of being politically active in local elections with a high voter turnout rate in most races. This has resulted in a variety of political views being represented throughout town with many residents holding conservative values while others lean more towards progressive policies. Despite this, there is generally a consensus among voters that people should be allowed to pursue their own path without interference from either side which has resulted in a relatively peaceful political climate within Epsom over the years.
