1927 Map of Penacook

About this map

The Merrimack River serves as the central artery for this mid-1920s landscape, connecting the industrial hubs of Franklin and Penacook. This era shows a dense network of rural infrastructure, with numerous schoolhouses like Hackleboro School and Bean Hill School serving isolated agricultural communities. The convergence of the Winnipesaukee River and the Merrimack at Franklin Falls highlights the region's reliance on water power and rail transport, specifically the Boston and Maine RR which traces the river valleys. Cultural and social landmarks of the period are prominent, including the Soldiers Home near Tilton, the County Farm at Gerrish, and the Kezer Seminary in Canterbury Center. From the recreational grounds of Contoocook River Park to the small-scale industry at Swetts Mills, the map document a New Hampshire interior transitioning from traditional milling and farming toward a more modern, connected geography.