Boundary increase Added to NRHP 3 December 1980 | Area 14 ha | |
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Location Chestnut Hill Ave., Water, Franklin, Pleasant, High and Chestnut Sts., Exeter, New Hampshire Architectural style Greek Revival, Late Victorian, Federal NRHP Reference # 80000299 (original)
86003516 (increase) | ||
The Exeter Waterfront Commercial Historic District encompasses the historic commercial waterfront area of Exeter, New Hampshire. The district extends along the north side of Water Street, roughly from Main Street to Front Street, and then along both sides of Water and High Streets to the latter's junction with Portsmouth Street. It also includes properties on Chestnut Street on the north side of the Squamscott River. This area was where the early settlement of Exeter took place in 1638; its oldest surviving structure, the Gilman Garrison House, was built c. 1700, and is one of a small number of sawn-log garrison houses to survive. It is now a museum operated by Historic New England. The waterfront area was from the start of economic importance, with mills and sea-going shipping operating along Water Street. After a series of fires in the mid-19th century the brick-built section of Water Street was developed, giving the downtown area much of present character.
The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It was enlarged in 1986 to include to mill complex of the Exeter Manufacturing Company on Chestnut Street.