Away from the busy interstate highways, New Hampshire’s secondary highways and local roads weave through some of the most interesting small towns in the state. Some of these towns have changed dramatically over the years, but others still retain their original character and charm. Personally, I wouldn’t have it any other way; not everything has to be a modern experience. This historic town in NH is an example of what the villages here were like way back when.

The area now known as Hopkinton was first settled in 1736 and was formally incorporated in 1765.
John Phelan/Wikimedia Commons
In the village of Contoocook lies the historic Contoocook Railroad Depot. It is one of the best-preserved examples of a mid-19th-century railroad station.
John Phelan/Wikimedia Commons
Spanning the Contoocook River in the village of Contoocook is the Contoocook Railroad Bridge. It is the oldest extant covered railroad bridge in the U.S., dating back to 1849.
Ken Gallager/Wikimedia Commons
This circa 1870 view shows the Contoocook Railroad Bridge on the right. The bridge is still there today.
Unknown author/Wikimedia Commons

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The Hopkinton Village Store, known locally as the Cracker Barrel Store, is located in the center of Hopkinton. Every town needs a general store and this is it.
John Phelan/Wikimedia Commons
The William H. Long Memorial, built in 1890, is now home to the Hopkinton Historical Society.
Magicpiano/Wikimedia Commons
Each year, the Hopkinton Fair takes place. This annual celebration harkens back to the classic town fairs of yore.
Ken Gallager/Wikimedia Commons
U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice David Souter hails from Hopkinton. He served on the court from 1990 to 2009.
Laura Patterson/Wikimedia Commons

To learn more about this historic town in NH that lies just outside of the capital city, visit the Town of Hopkinton website and follow the Town of Hopkinton on Facebook.

New Hampshire’s small towns are filled with history. Here are seven towns that will transport you back to the past and one town in northern New Hampshire where tragedy turned into a spectacle.

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