Keene

Keene has been a county seat since New Hampshire was divided into counties in 1769. Keene was settled after 1736. The town was attacked and burned during the French and Indian War. It was originally known as Upper Ashuelot, was chartered in 1753 and became a city in 1874. It is named in honor of British diplomat Sir Benjamin Keene.

The Elm City combines the beauty of the New England countryside with progressive industrial development, strong zoning regulations and a wide variety of modern community services. It is the commercial hub of Cheshire County and its market area extends beyond county lines.

Keene is the home of outstanding medical facilities, cultural resources and educational institutions. Its Southwestern N.H. Fire Mutual Aid network has been a national model for emergency communications centers, and it serves a wide twin-state region. So does the city-owned Dillant-Hopkins Airport, located in North Swanzey.

Keene is also the center of recreational programs and activities throughout the year.

Bordered by low hills on every side, Keene is dominated at its center by Central Square and the beautiful United Church of Christ, which has been the square’s focal point since 1787.

The railroad’s arrival in 1848 made Keene an industrial community known for production of furniture, flannel, pottery and other items. Earlier it had been the site of an important glass industry, examples of which are to be seen in its local museum and throughout the country.

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