Amherst Village Historic District, United States historic place
Amherst Village Historic District is a historic town center in New Hampshire with buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The streets display traditional New Hampshire architecture featuring wooden facades and pitched roofs, with many houses retaining their original windows and doors.
The area was originally established as Narragansett Number 3 and renamed Amherst in 1760 after British general Jeffrey Amherst. It served as the first seat of government for Hillsborough County, housing the courthouse, jail, and other government buildings that still stand today.
The name comes from General Jeffrey Amherst, a British military leader from the 18th century. Walking here, you can see how an early colonial settlement was organized, with homes, shops, and places of worship all clustered together in one functioning community.
The quiet streets are easy to walk at your own pace while exploring the old buildings and reading the informational plaques. A small park in the center offers rest areas and signs explaining the area's history, making it simple to navigate and learn as you go.
The town uses a special voting system called SB2 that allows citizens to participate directly in local decision-making processes. This unusual system shows how the community preserves democratic traditions and keeps residents involved in governance.
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