Timeline of Manchester, New Hampshire

The city of Manchester in New Hampshire has a rich and interesting history. This timeline shows the important events and changes that have shaped the city over time. From its early days as a small settlement to its growth into a busy city, Manchester has many stories to tell.

Manchester began as a place where people settled near the Concord River. Over the years, it grew because of its location and resources. The city became a center for manufacturing and trade, which brought many people to live and work there.

Throughout its history, Manchester has seen many changes. Important moments, such as the founding of schools, the building of bridges, and the arrival of new industries, have all played a part in making the city what it is today. These events show how Manchester developed and why it matters to the people who live there and to the history of the United States.

This timeline is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by editing the page to add missing items, with references to reliable sources.

Prior to 19th century

In 1722, John Goffe settled in a place called Old Harry's Town in the Province of New Hampshire. Soon after, in 1723, a cabin was built, and a small community began to grow. By 1727, a new area named Tyngstown was created. In 1736, the first sawmill was built to help with woodworking. Later, in 1751, Tyngstown was renamed Derryfield. In 1788, this area became part of the State of New Hampshire, and in 1796, the Derryfield Social Library was established.

19th century

In 1807, a canal was built by Samuel Blodgett. By 1810, Derryfield was renamed "Manchester," and the Amoskeag Cotton & Woolen Manufacturing Company was created. The population grew from 761 in 1823 to 3,235 by 1840. Many important places were established, such as the First Unitarian Church in 1841 and the Valley Cemetery.

Manchester became a city in 1846, and its high school was founded the same year. The Manchester and Lawrence Railroad started operating in 1849. Over the years, many schools, churches, and organizations were created. By 1890, Elliot Hospital was founded, and the population reached 44,126. The city continued to grow, with the population hitting 56,987 by 1900.

20th century

In the 1900s, Manchester, New Hampshire grew and changed in many ways. In 1906, the Strand Theatre opened in a building that used to be an opera house. By 1910, the city had about 70,063 people and celebrated 100 years since it was founded. Important buildings like the Empire Theater, the Palace Theatre, and the Public Library were built between 1912 and 1914. Schools and institutions also started, such as the Manchester Central High School in 1922 and the Manchester High School West in 1923.

The city saw more changes after World War II. In 1950, a famous house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, called the Zimmerman House, was built. In 1963, a big memorial coliseum opened, and in 1977, a large shopping mall called the Mall of New Hampshire opened its doors. By 1980, the population grew to about 90,936 people. The city also formed partnerships with cities in other countries, starting with Taichung, Taiwan in 1988 and Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Germany in 1992. Throughout these years, many schools, libraries, and community centers were established, making Manchester a lively place to live.

Textile Field Palace Theatre Manchester Central High School Manchester High School West Manchester Airport Currier Gallery of Art Southern New Hampshire University Amoskeag Mills Grenier Army Airfield State Trade School at Manchester Utility Worker's Credit Union Zimmerman House Frank Lloyd Wright WMUR Manchester Memorial High School John F. Kennedy Memorial Coliseum The Derryfield School Grenier Air Force Base McIntyre Ski Area Manchester Transit Authority New Hampshire Symphony Orchestra Mall of New Hampshire Manchester School of Technology University of New Hampshire at Manchester Taichung, Taiwan. City Hall Plaza Sister city Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Germany.

21st century

In the year 2000, a school called the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences opened a campus in Manchester, and a place for girls called Holy Family Academy was started. In 2001, a big place for events called the Civic arena opened.

In 2005, a ballpark called the Fisher Cats Ballpark opened, and a fun event called Segway Fest was held. In 2006, a newspaper called the Manchester Daily Express started publishing. In 2010, Ted Gatsas became the mayor of Manchester, and the city had 109,565 people. In 2018, Joyce Craig became mayor, and in 2024, Jay Ruais took over as mayor.

Images

Some interesting moments and places in Manchester's history include a military parade in 1874, a map from 1876, a big flood of the Merrimack River in 2005, Candidate Hillary Clinton visiting in 2007, and the Currier Museum getting renovated in 2008.