Atkinson, New Hampshire

History

Atkinson has a rich history, dating back to the American Revolution. The community was incorporated 3 September 1767, and was named after Colonel Theodore Atkinson, a local landowner.

Atkinson Academy, the second-oldest co-educational school in the country, was founded as a boys' school in 1787 by Reverend Stephen Peabody, General Nathaniel Peabody and Doctor William Cogswell; it began admitting girls in 1791. The school building burnt to the ground in 1802, and was rebuilt in 1803 at a cost of $2,500. That building remains a part of the Academy, with only four classrooms. Other historic buildings, such the Atkinson Historical Society and Library, Rockwell School (current police station), and many more, grace this southern New Hampshire town with their rich historical value and education of the history of the area.

Relatives of former President John Quincy Adams live in Atkinson, along with famous politicians and businessmen. Atkinson’s history can be read about in depth in the book Atkinson Then and Now, which can be purchased at the Atkinson Public Library on Academy Avenue.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 11.3 square miles (29 km²), of which 11.1 sq mi (29 km²) is land and 0.2 sq mi (0.52 km²) is water, comprising 1.42% of the town. The highest point in Atkinson is Hog Hill, at 430 feet (130 m) above sea level. Atkinson lies fully within the Merrimack River watershed.

In 2011 the New Hampshire Scenic and Cultural Byways program named 3.74 miles of Main Street the "Stage Coach Byway".

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 6,178 people, 2,317 households, and 1,777 families residing in the town. The population density was 555.2 people per square mile (214.3/km²). There were 2,431 housing units at an average density of 218.5 per square mile (84.3/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.62% White, 0.26% African American, 0.06% Native American, 1.18% Asian, 0.21% from other races, and 0.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.70% of the population.

There were 2,317 households out of which 32.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.8% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.3% were non-families. 19.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the town, the population was spread out with 24.5% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 30.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $69,729, and the median income for a family was $77,631. Males had a median income of $53,229 versus $34,760 for females. The per capita income for the town was $30,412. About 2.3% of families and 3.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.

Museums and other points of interest

The Kimball House Museum was built in 1772 by Reverend Stephen Peabody. It served as a medical office and town library before becoming a museum.

Education

Atkinson Public Schools are part of the Timberlane Regional School District. The district serves the communities of Atkinson, Danville, New Hampshire, Plaistow, New Hampshire and Sandown, New Hampshire. The district has five elementary schools, a middle school and a high school.Students in Atkinson attend Atkinson Academy, Timberlane Regional Middle School, and Timberlane Regional High School.

Notable people