Bradford, town in Merrimack County, New Hampshire
Bradford is a small town in Merrimack County, New Hampshire featuring gently rolling hills and open spaces. The place has a quiet village center with older homes, tree-lined streets, and a historic meetinghouse, while the surrounding landscape is shaped by lakes, rivers, and wooded areas.
The town was officially founded in 1787, though early settlers arrived in the 1770s and built homes, mills, and shops. By the mid-1800s, local mills became major producers of wool, wood products, and clothing, shaping the economic structure of the place.
The town takes its name from Bradford in England, reflecting early colonial settlement patterns in the region. The community gathers at the town hall and meetinghouse for informal events where neighbors regularly connect and work together on local projects.
Most visitors explore the town best by car, though walking and biking are possible on quiet roads. The place has several small parks and natural areas for picnicking and exploring, especially beautiful in fall when the landscape glows with warm colors.
The town is known for Depot Square, the former center of train travel and trade, where the old railroad station still reminds visitors of regional connections. Another highlight is the nearness to Lake Massasecum to the east, where visitors come for fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the view.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.