Derry is the fourth largest community in New Hampshire
Located in Rockingham County, NH, 12 miles south of Manchester, Derry is bordered by the towns of Auburn, Chester, Hampstead, Londonderry, Salem, Sandown and Windham.
Originally known as Nutfield, the first settlers arrived in 1719 led by Reverend MacGregor, of Londonderry, Ireland. In 1722, a town charter was granted under the name of Londonderry.
During the Revolutionary War, a large number of men served this Country, notably General John stark and Matthew Thornton who went on to sign the Declaration of Independence. The Town also provided much commerce during this period and became known for its production of "Londonderry Linens".
On July 2, 1827, Londonderry separated with the eastern part being called Derry and the remaining part of town being called Londonderry.
Derry thrived with family business, the most famous being H.P. Hood Company. In 1856, Harvey Hood established his dairy farm, which supplied milk for business in Boston.
In 1870, Colonel William Pillsbury purchased 18 buildings for his shoe manufacturing enterprise. The industry provided a major source of employment until 1960, when fire destroyed the large plant.
Today, this industry is replaced by high tech manufacturing companies, while most of our business community continues to be made up of many family-owned business.
With a population of more than 34,000, Derry is New Hampshire's fourth largest community, behind Manchester, Nashua and Concord. Although technically it is a 'town', Derry offers big city amenities, including a bustling downtown revitalized through the New Hampshire Main Streets Program. The historic Adams Memorial Opera House, a cultural center for the town, has been restored to its original grandeur, and the buildings, storefronts and streetscape of downtown have been rehabilitated and made more attractive. A new municipal center opened in 2002 and the town has adopted the slogan: "Derry: New Hampshire's Place to Be."
There are two sides to Derry. In the central business district, the town is home to a wide range of businesses ranging from manufacturers to numerous retail enterprises. The town has joined forces with the Chamber of Commerce and the Derry Economic Development Corporation to further develop the community for commerce. The DEDC provides existing and relocating businesses with technical assistant in areas such as permitting, site selection and help in putting together packages seeking financial resources.
Outside the central business district, about 90 percent of the town is still rural, providing homeowners with privacy and space. Other attractions include an excellent school system and ample recreational facilities, including a health club, golf courses, a bike path system and walking trails.
Derry is also known as the birthplace of Alan Shepard, the first U.S. astronaut in space whose famous voyage gave Derry the nickname "Space Town". Robert Frost also lived here as a young adult. It is also home to Robert Frost's farm. The beloved poet lived there from 1900-1911 and it is now a museum of his life and work.
- Population: 34,436
- Land Area: 36 square miles
- Population Density: 956.56
- Type of Government: Town Administrator/ Council
- Median Home Purchase Price: $180,272
- Town Website
Download Profile of Derry
Derry 2000 Census Data
