According to jibin123, Bradford, New Hampshire is a small town in Merrimack County situated in the heart of New England. It is located just 38 miles north of Concord, the state capital, and approximately 100 miles northwest of Boston. Bradford is bordered by the towns of Warner and Salisbury to the north, Andover to the east, Henniker to the south, and Hopkinton to the west.
The land that encompasses Bradford is mostly flat with some rolling hills and valleys throughout. The highest elevation point in town is just over 800 feet above sea level at its peak near Potter Hill Road. The majority of Bradford’s terrain is covered with deciduous forests and wetlands that provide a natural habitat for many species of animals and plants.
Bradford’s main water source is provided by two rivers; the Contoocook River which runs from north to south through town and empties into nearby Contoocook Lake; and Warner River which flows from east to west through town before joining Contoocook Lake. There are several smaller ponds in town as well including Taylor Pond near Potter Hill Road.
The climate in Bradford tends to be cool with temperatures typically ranging from highs in the 80’s during summer months all the way down into single digits during winter months. Snowfall can be expected between late November through early April each year with an average annual snowfall between 50-60 inches per year.
Bradford has a population of roughly 1,800 people spread across its 4 square mile area making it one of New Hampshire’s smallest towns in terms of population density. The majority of residents are employed either locally or commute to surrounding cities for work opportunities or educational purposes such as attending nearby colleges or universities like Dartmouth College or Plymouth State University which are both within a 40-minute drive from downtown Bradford.
History of Bradford, New Hampshire
Bradford, New Hampshire has a rich and varied history that dates back to the early 1700’s when it was first settled by European immigrants. It was first incorporated in 1763 as part of the larger town of Salisbury, but was soon after separated and officially named Bradford in 1773.
The town’s early economy was largely based on lumber and farming with mills being built along the Contoocook River to provide lumber for homes and businesses while farmers planted crops throughout the surrounding areas. The town also had a thriving trade with nearby towns by transporting goods via horse-drawn wagons over rough roads.
In the late 1800’s, Bradford began to attract more settlers who came to take advantage of the local resources such as timber, minerals, water power, and agricultural land. This influx of settlers helped spur economic growth in the area which resulted in new businesses being established and an increase in population.
Throughout much of its history Bradford has been known for its strong sense of community with many families living here for generations. This has been evidenced by events like Town Meeting Day where residents come together annually to discuss important issues facing their community and elect local officials.
Today, Bradford is still a small rural town that is home to roughly 1,800 people who continue to enjoy its beautiful natural surroundings while taking part in activities like fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing and snowmobiling during all four seasons. Despite its small size it still offers many amenities such as restaurants, shops, schools and churches that help make it a great place to live or visit.
Economy of Bradford, New Hampshire
The economy of Bradford, New Hampshire has been historically based on forestry and farming. In the late 1700s, mills were built along the Contoocook River to provide lumber for homes and businesses while farmers planted crops throughout the surrounding areas. The town also had a thriving trade with nearby towns by transporting goods via horse-drawn wagons over rough roads.
In the late 1800s, Bradford began to attract more settlers who came to take advantage of its local resources such as timber, minerals, water power, and agricultural land. This influx of settlers helped spur economic growth in the area which resulted in new businesses being established and an increase in population.
Today, Bradford’s economy is still largely based on forestry and farming but has diversified to include other sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, retail and services. The town is home to several small businesses such as restaurants, shops, schools and churches that help make it a great place to live or visit.
The town is also known for its many recreational activities like fishing, hunting, hiking and skiing which draw visitors from all over New England during all four seasons. Tourism plays an important role in the local economy by bringing visitors who typically spend money on lodging, dining out or shopping at local stores.
Bradford also offers many opportunities for educational purposes such as attending nearby colleges or universities like Dartmouth College or Plymouth State University which are both within a 40-minute drive from downtown Bradford.
Overall, Bradford’s economy continues to remain strong due to its diverse range of industries that have provided jobs for generations of families living here. With its beautiful natural environment and strong sense of community it remains a great place for residents and visitors alike to enjoy all that it has to offer.
Politics in Bradford, New Hampshire
The politics of Bradford, New Hampshire is largely based on the two-party system with Republicans and Democrats dominating the local political landscape. As in most towns in the state, local elections are typically held every two years and are often decided by a relatively small number of votes.
The town has traditionally leaned Republican, as evidenced by its voting record over the past several decades. The Republican Party has held a majority on the town council for most of that time and currently holds all five seats.
In terms of national politics, Bradford’s residents tend to lean towards conservative values and have voted for Republican presidential candidates in every election since 2000. This trend was especially evident in 2016 when Donald Trump won over 70% of the vote in Bradford.
Despite its conservative leanings, Bradford does have some progressive voices who advocate for social justice issues such as women’s rights and environmental protection. These progressive voices have been gaining more traction over recent years due to increased awareness and engagement from younger generations of voters who are looking to make their mark on local politics.
Overall, Bradford is a politically active town with passionate citizens who take pride in their ability to make their voices heard through voting and civic engagement. The town’s commitment to democracy is something that will continue to be an important part of its culture for many years to come.