Bath is a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 893 at the 2000 census. Now a tourist destination and bedroom community for Littleton, the town is noted for its historic architecture, including The Brick Store and three covered bridges.

History

The town was granted to the Rev. Andrew Gardner and 61 others on September 10, 1761 by Governor Benning Wentworth, who named it for William Pulteney, 1st Earl of Bath. It was first settled in 1765 by John Herriman from Haverhill, Massachusetts. But the terms of the original grant were unfulfilled, so Bath was regranted on March 29, 1769 by Governor John Wentworth. The first census, taken in 1790, recorded 493 residents.

Situated at the head of navigation on the Connecticut River, and shielded from strong winds by the Green Mountains to the west and White Mountains to the east, Bath soon developed into "...one of the busiest and most prosperous villages in northern New Hampshire." Intervales provided excellent alluvial soil for agriculture, and the Ammonoosuc and Wild Ammonoosuc rivers supplied water power for mills. The population reached 1,627 in 1830, when 550 sheep grazed the hillsides. A vein of copper was mined. The White Mountains Railroad up the Ammonoosuc River Valley opened August 1, 1853, shipping Bath's lumber, potatoes, livestock and wood pulp. By 1859, the town had two gristmills and two sawmills. Other industries would include a woolen mill, creamery, distillery and two starch factories.

But nearby Woodsville developed into a major railroad junction, and the region's commercial center shifted there. By 1886, once thriving Bath was described as in decay. But this economic dormancy of the Victorian era preserved much early architecture in the village, particularly in the Federal and Greek Revival styles. The Brick Store, built in 1824, is today the oldest continously operating general store in the United States. There is an effort to restore the Moses P. Payson Mansion, designed by Alexander Parris and built in 1810.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 38.6 square miles (100 km2), of which 38.2 sq mi (99 km2) is land and 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km2) is water, comprising 1.19% of the town. The highest points in Bath are a trio of knobs on Gardner Mountain, all found near the northernmost point in town and all measuring slightly greater than 1,980 feet (600 m) above sea level. The Connecticut River forms the western boundary of the town; the Ammonoosuc and Wild Ammonoosuc rivers flow through the town. Bath lies fully within the Connecticut River watershed.

The town is crossed by U.S. Route 302 and New Hampshire Route 112.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 893 people, 350 households, and 253 families residing in the town. The population density was 23.4 people per square mile (9.0/km²). There were 450 housing units at an average density of 11.8/sq mi (4.5/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 99.33% White, 0.22% African American, 0.22% Native American, and 0.22% from two or more races.

There were 350 households out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.4% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.7% were non-families. 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the town the population was spread out with 24.3% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 29.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $43,088, and the median income for a family was $47,000. Males had a median income of $27,679 versus $22,167 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,916. About 2.8% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.5% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.

Sites of interest

• Bath's three covered bridges
• Ammonoosuc Rail Trail, between Woodsville and Littleton

Notable inhabitants

• Henry Hancock, lawyer and land surveyor
• Harry Hibbard, congressman
• James Hutchins Johnson, congressman

External links

• Town of Bath
• Bath Public Library
• Grafton County Heritage Sites -- Bath, New Hampshire
• Moses P. Payson Mansion (1810)
• New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau Profile

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Bath NH  Home $270,000.00 This exceptional hilltop location has 180 degree views of local Mtns. over hay fields and forest. House is modernized rustic log home with open concept design, ample rooms, country kitchen, greenhouse with lower level finished as mo in law space. Beautiful gardens, root cellar, patio and decks wit ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $269,000.00 It's all about location here at this very private hilltop location. House is an example of energy effciency and is bold, bright and would be a good solar prospect with southern exposure, great views, very sunny spot w/pool and peace and quiet. ... Read More! Bath NH  COM $250,000.00 Opportunity Knocks- 35 storage units, 3 bedroom apartment and twenty plus acres all being sold together. Ample parking unfinished room over storage units that could be made into an apartment for rental income. This property has endless possibilities. Close to Ammnoosuc River,short distance and easy ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $239,900.00 "Neat as a pin" is one way to describe this 2 bedroom (possible 3rd bedroom in basement) log home on 2.09 acres. Picture perfect cabin offers a large well landscaped yard great for entertaining, screened porch for those warm NH nights, good size back deck, delightful kitchen with plenty of storage f ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $225,000.00 Private retreat here with western views and a beautiful parcel of land including fields, woods, mountain side and stream flowing through. House is simple bring Thoreau....but if you are looking for a special spot near the Ct River check it out! ... Read More! Bath NH  LAND $195,000.00 New development of residential lots. Underground utilities, river access, pond, views, sites ready for construction, public water, private sewer, building plans available. Perfect building lots for primary or second home. Drive through and then call for particulars. One of a kind development in Bath ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $189,000.00 Delightful seasonal cottage with nice water views from large porch and deck. Includes dock, eat in kitchen with dining area with water view, storage shed, 3/4 bath, electric log heater in living room with propane heater as well. Rustic, comfortable and well maintained with its own charm and terrific ... Read More! Bath NH  LAND $175,000.00 14.94 +/- acres THINK "GREEN" w/HYDRO PLANT! Rolling fields, small pond, pasture, stream, panoramic views on a beautiful house site. The beautiful Pettyboro Road could be home to your house plans. Resting high with views and surrounded by rich farm land. The hydro dam itself makes for a beautiful si ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $175,000.00 Rustic and private with water frontage on the Wild Ammonoosuc River and small brook in the back acreage. Well-maintained 2-bedroom A-Frame/Chalet with loft, full basement, mudroom and wrap-around porch. Great location for weekend getaway or full time residence. Close to snowmobile trails, fishing, h ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $155,000.00 Pretty views and a country setting for this very nice 3 bedroom home. Features include: wood floors, nice kitchen, pantry closet, exposed wood beams, big bay window and door to back porch from living room plus a big 4 person hottub in back foyer. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms with 3/4 bathroom. There is a ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $129,900.00 RUSTIC YET COMFORTABLE CHALET WITH 2 BEDROOMS AND LARGE SLEEPING LOFT. FIELDSTONE FIREPLACE, LARGE DECK AND FULL WALKOUT BASEMENT SITUATED ON A CORNER LOT TO 2 DEAD END ROADS. WALK TO THE WILD AMMONOOSUC RIVER, GO SKIING AND SNOWMOBILING NEARBY, OR JUST ENJOY THE PEACE AND QUIET OF THIS REMARKABLE ... Read More! Bath NH  LAND $125,000.00 A nice, large, high, wooded parcel. Great views with cutting. No driveway. Year-round brook crosses property. Town line goes through property, so 11.28 acres are in Bath, remaining acres are in Landaff. Dirt road access with several year-round homes on the road. Dead end road. Exposure is sou ... Read More! Bath NH  LAND $105,000.00 New development of residential lots. Underground utilities, river access, pond, views, sites ready for construction, public water, private sewer, building plans available. Perfect building lots for primary or second home. Drive throughand then call for particulars. One of a kind development in Bath! ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $89,900.00 This is a Great location and close to skiing and shopping. Has been used as a second home for a family for almost 30 years and could be easily turned into full time home ... Read More! Bath NH  MULTI $89,500.00 BATH, NH - Bordering the Ammonoosuc River, this historic 3 unit building with large lawn is located in a business district, perfect for small business. Well established tenants pay the heat. Units are spacious and offer washer/dryer hook ups. Home features porch pillars, pocket doors and 5 fireplac ... Read More! Bath NH  LAND $79,000.00 New development of residential lots. Underground utilities, river access, pond, views, sites ready for construction, public water, private sewer, building plans available. Perfect building lot for primary or second home. Drive through and then call for particulars. Only lot in development zoned comm ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $74,900.00 Thinking back to the good ole days when life was simpler. Loved visiting the family farm? Bring back those memories in this farmhouse located in the country. Homestead needs upgrades, repairs, and a loving hand. Bring your imagination and come see the potential this property has to offer. ... Read More! Bath NH  LAND $64,900.00 From your new waterfront lot enjoy the quaint New England Town of Bath with its waterfalls, covered bridge and shops. The land is close to Woodsville and Wells River VT. The lot across the street is also for sale. Owner financing possible. Call for more information ... Read More!