Bradford, town in Merrimack County, New Hampshire
Bradford is a small town in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, set among rolling hills, forests, and several lakes. The village center has older homes, tree-lined streets, and a colonial-era meetinghouse that still stands near the main road.
The first settlers arrived in the 1770s, and the town was officially founded in 1787. Through the 1800s, mills processing wool, timber, and cloth gave the community its economic footing for several decades.
The town takes its name from Bradford in England, reflecting the origins of many early settlers who came from that region. Today, local life centers on the town hall, where residents gather for meetings and small community events throughout the year.
A car is the most practical way to get around, though the quiet roads are also good for walking or biking. Visiting in fall brings the added reward of seeing the surrounding forests in full color.
Depot Square was once the center of train travel and trade in town, and the old station building still stands there today. Just a short drive east, Lake Massasecum draws visitors for fishing and boating on its calm waters.
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