The Historic Surrounding Towns of New Castle, Dover, Exeter, Kittery and York

New Castle is the smallest town in New Hampshire, composed of one large island and several smaller islands. A short drive through New Castle offers some of the area’s most beautiful coastal vistas. On your short loop through New Castle, you may want to plan a stop at the historic Wentworth By-The-Sea Hotel and Spa, New Hampshire’s only Grand Hotel by the Sea. A favorite destination for socialites, film stars, and presidents—including delegates to the historic 1905 peace talks that ended the Russo-Japanese War—the 161-room property blends the best of the past with contemporary elegance and amenities. Most of the rooms and suites have ocean and harbor views. The property features elegant dining facilities for groups with advanced notice. For information, visit www.wentworth.com or call 866.240.6313.

New Castle also houses Fort Constitution and Fort Stark, which are historic sites under the direction of the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development. Both sites are free and open to the public. Fort Constitution is located On Route 1B at U.S. Coast Guard Station, New Castle. The important historic location offers a self-guided walking trail for visitors. For information, call 603-436-1552 or visit www.nhstateparks.com.

Exeter, settled in 1638, was one of the first four townships of New Hampshire and the state’s Colonial capital. The town sits on the tidal Squamscott River, which provided access for seagoing vessels to and from Exeter. The same river was a good site for shipbuilding, and Exeter was a busy port during the 18th century. The town of Exeter retains much of its 18th-century charm. Visitors will find it still replete with historic structures hailing from the 17th and 18th centuries. It is the home of Phillips Exeter Academy, arguably one of the finest private secondary schools in the country. Dr. John Phillips, a graduate of Harvard and resident of Exeter, founded the Academy in 1781. The in-town campus is divided by the three principal streets of the community, with Georgian-style classroom buildings placed prominently at the center. A drive through the campus gives tourists a sense of the history and heritage of this illustrious New England school.

The American Independence Museum in Exeter presents the American Revolution and of the role that New Hampshire, Exeter, and the Gilman family played in the founding of the new republic. Located in historic downtown Exeter, AIM includes the Ladd-Gilman House (a registered National Landmark property, built c. 1721), the Folsom Tavern (built c. 1775), and over an acre of landscaped property. The Folsom Tavern, scheduled to reopen in 2007, was the site of many passionate political debates during the American Revolution. The Tavern is being restored to create exhibition and visitor services space. In 1985, a Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence was found in the Ladd-Gilman House. This amazing discovery is now a major focus of the museum's collections and programming. The site has restrooms in both buildings and a museum shop. Downtown area restaurants are within easy walking distance. Bus parking is available. For information on group tours, call (603) 772-2622 or visit www.independencemuseum.org.

Other historic locations in town include the Gilman Garrison House, a National Historic Landmark owned by Historic New England. The massive, square-sawn log walls of the house, now clapboarded over, may have been a response to the threat of an Indian attack. Private Heritage Tours are available to groups with advanced reservations. For information call (603) 436-3205 or visit www.historicnewengland.org.

Dover is the oldest continuous settlement in New Hampshire and the seventh oldest in the United States. The city is situated between the Bellamy and Cochecho Rivers, which residents have always used to their economic advantage. The first use of the waterpower of the Cocheco River was in 1642, when a sawmill was built. In the 1700s Dover had an extensive shipbuilding industry. By 1830, the city had become a leading manufacturer of cotton goods in the country, using the river to power several mills. Later in the nineteenth century, a brick industry flourished, and shoe manufacturing developed in the 1900s.

Today, the city boasts a revitalized downtown area with charming shops, boutiques, antique stores and restaurants. An ambitious waterfront development project promises increased appeal for visitors to this historic city. The Dover Chamber of Commerce web site offers three themed Heritage Walking Tours for visitors, highlighting the Old Mills & Riverfront; Historic Houses; and the Pine Hill Cemetery. Four more information, visit www.dovernh.org or call 603-742-2218.

Dover’s Woodman Institute Museum and William Damm Garrison House. The Wooman Institute established in 1916 is a four building natural science, local history and art museum with exhibits displayed throughout the rooms of four historic buildings that includes an original 1675 fortified garrison house. Exhibits for all ages and interests. Please allow 1 1/2 - 2 hours for your visit. Admission is $6.00 adults; $5.00 students/seniors (65); $3.00 ages 6-15; 5 and under FREE. Bus tours are welcome. Reservations for groups of 12 or more are requested. For information, call (603) 742-1038 or visit www.woodmaninstitutemuseum.org.

If you venture up into beautiful southern Maine, you’ll want to schedule a visit to the Old York Historical Society. Tour the museums of Old York and see a colonial tavern, an old jail complete with dungeons and cells, a riverside estate filled with antiques, and a warehouse once belonging to patriot John Hancock. Also on site are a nature preserve, museum shop, contemporary art gallery, and restored gardens. When visiting you'll experience over 300 years of New England heritage while listening to tales of sea captains and their families, jailers, prisoners and other characters from the past. The museums of Old York offer a variety of tours and hands-on activities to enhance your visit to the Southern Maine coast. Various walking tours of York or step-on guide service is also available. Open June through mid-October, Mon-Sat, 10am – 5pm & Closed Sunday. Admission is $10 adults/$5 children/$75 per motor coach. Visit www.oldyork.org or call (207) 363-4974.