Keene

Keene is a town in southwestern New Hampshire that spreads over 37.3 square miles (96.5 km²) and sits at an elevation of 485 feet (148 meters). The town serves as the administrative center of Cheshire County and hosts several educational institutions including Keene State College.

The settlement began in 1736 under the name Upper Ashuelot as an outpost in the wilderness. The renaming took place in 1753 to honor Sir Benjamin Keene, a British diplomat and ambassador to Spain.

The name honors an 18th-century British diplomat, while the town today serves as home to several colleges. Twenty Protestant churches shape the cityscape and show the religious tradition of this New England community.

The town sits conveniently in southwestern New Hampshire and is well connected by the main roads of the region. Visitors find accommodations, restaurants and shops along the main street that runs through the center.

The annual Pumpkin Festival draws visitors from across the region and contributed to the world record for most lit jack-o'-lanterns at once. Antioch University New England offers programs here focused on environmental studies and social justice.

Location: Cheshire County

Inception: 1736

Elevation above the sea: 148 m

Website: http://ci.keene.nh.us

GPS coordinates: 42.93361,-72.27806

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:27