Bath is a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 893 at the 2000 census. Now a tourist destination and bedroom community for Littleton, the town is noted for its historic architecture, including The Brick Store and three covered bridges.

History

The town was granted to the Rev. Andrew Gardner and 61 others on September 10, 1761 by Governor Benning Wentworth, who named it for William Pulteney, 1st Earl of Bath. It was first settled in 1765 by John Herriman from Haverhill, Massachusetts. But the terms of the original grant were unfulfilled, so Bath was regranted on March 29, 1769 by Governor John Wentworth. The first census, taken in 1790, recorded 493 residents.

Situated at the head of navigation on the Connecticut River, and shielded from strong winds by the Green Mountains to the west and White Mountains to the east, Bath soon developed into "...one of the busiest and most prosperous villages in northern New Hampshire." Intervales provided excellent alluvial soil for agriculture, and the Ammonoosuc and Wild Ammonoosuc rivers supplied water power for mills. The population reached 1,627 in 1830, when 550 sheep grazed the hillsides. A vein of copper was mined. The White Mountains Railroad up the Ammonoosuc River Valley opened August 1, 1853, shipping Bath's lumber, potatoes, livestock and wood pulp. By 1859, the town had two gristmills and two sawmills. Other industries would include a woolen mill, creamery, distillery and two starch factories.

But nearby Woodsville developed into a major railroad junction, and the region's commercial center shifted there. By 1886, once thriving Bath was described as in decay. But this economic dormancy of the Victorian era preserved much early architecture in the village, particularly in the Federal and Greek Revival styles. The Brick Store, built in 1824, is today the oldest continously operating general store in the United States. There is an effort to restore the Moses P. Payson Mansion, designed by Alexander Parris and built in 1810.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 38.6 square miles (100 km2), of which 38.2 sq mi (99 km2) is land and 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km2) is water, comprising 1.19% of the town. The highest points in Bath are a trio of knobs on Gardner Mountain, all found near the northernmost point in town and all measuring slightly greater than 1,980 feet (600 m) above sea level. The Connecticut River forms the western boundary of the town; the Ammonoosuc and Wild Ammonoosuc rivers flow through the town. Bath lies fully within the Connecticut River watershed.

The town is crossed by U.S. Route 302 and New Hampshire Route 112.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 893 people, 350 households, and 253 families residing in the town. The population density was 23.4 people per square mile (9.0/km²). There were 450 housing units at an average density of 11.8/sq mi (4.5/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 99.33% White, 0.22% African American, 0.22% Native American, and 0.22% from two or more races.

There were 350 households out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.4% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.7% were non-families. 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the town the population was spread out with 24.3% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 29.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $43,088, and the median income for a family was $47,000. Males had a median income of $27,679 versus $22,167 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,916. About 2.8% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.5% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.

Sites of interest

• Bath's three covered bridges
• Ammonoosuc Rail Trail, between Woodsville and Littleton

Notable inhabitants

• Henry Hancock, lawyer and land surveyor
• Harry Hibbard, congressman
• James Hutchins Johnson, congressman

External links

• Town of Bath
• Bath Public Library
• Grafton County Heritage Sites -- Bath, New Hampshire
• Moses P. Payson Mansion (1810)
• New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau Profile

Bath NH  Home $397,500.00 This gracious 1795 antique post and beam federal was the original Jeremiah Hutchins Stage Coach Tavern with a recorded history on the National Registry of Historic Homes. Spacious and airy, this property is appointed with nine fireplaces, nine foot ceilings, wide pine floors, five bedrooms and thre ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $339,000.00 ENJOY PRIVACY AT THIS VERY SPECIAL PROPERTY. LOOK AT THE WHITE MOUNTAINS FROM THE CLEAN/WELL LAID OUT HOME WITH ATTACHED AND DET.GARAGE, WALKOUT BASEMENT AND SH0P/EQUIPMENT BUILDING. LAND IS GENTLY SLOPING AND PRIMARILY MATURE HARDWOODS COMPLETE W/WOODLAND TRAILS. CLOSE TO RIVERS AND WHT.MTN.NATL ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $329,000.00 Are you looking for a little bit country, but with a modern flair? Well take a minute to consider this beautiful contemporary cape perched high on a hillside in quaint Bath NH. The exterior of this home offers 8 picturesque acres ideal for animals, lovely mountain views, expansive wrap around farmer ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $299,000.00 Beautifully maintained ,open concept throughout, two bedroom Log Home on a gorgeous 5 acre lot surrounded by open fields. The views are simply magnificent. Built in 2004, this cedar log home features two levels of living with a fully equipped kitchen on each floor. Each level has a tastefully appoin ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $279,900.00 Located on 5.36+/- acres in the quiet town of Bath, is a home with some of the most spectacular views in the North Country. Currently a two bedroom/ two full bath home, there is ample space to expand in the partially finished basement and make it three bedrooms! The deck is ideal for barbeques and g ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $249,500.00 Well maintained log home has nice sunny eat-in kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, den and cozy loft. It has nice mudroom with an adjoining laundry room. The home busts wood detail and nice beam work. Enjoy the Southern sun from the covered porch. The grounds around home are flat and very usable. The deta ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $249,000.00 22.34 +/- Acres on the sweet & quiet Lang Road in Bath, NH. There are only a few homes this well cared for! Boasting a new first floor Master suite addition including a private bath with double vanity & walk-in shower along w/ walk in custom closet also. This & the 1st floor laundry room all have 36 ... Read More! Bath NH  COM $225,000.00 BATH, NH - Commercial Property- 35 storage units, 3 Bedroom Apartment and 2 Lots. Ample parking, additional room for expansion or another apartment. Immediately break off 1 lot along with approximately 400 yds. of crushed gravel on site. Nestled in a country setting and newer subdivision. Privat ... Read More! Bath NH  COM $225,000.00 Bed And Breakfast, 5 Bedrooms + Library, 5 Baths (Sleeps 12-14). The Hibbard House offers the charm of a bygone era in every room. Whether you’re relaxing by a fire in the den, browsing through our antique books, fireside, in the library, or just enjoying the romantic glow of a warm fire in the pri ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $209,000.00 Beautiful 1816 charmer in the heart of Upper Village, Bath NH is a rare gem indeed! Built by noted Attorney Ira Goodall in "The Year Without A Summer" this brick yesteryear home has all the grace of a more elegant era. From the moment you walk through the door youll feel like youre taking a step bac ... Read More! Bath NH  COM $185,000.00 Immaculately renovated mixed use facility with commercial and residential components, originally the Bath Grange Hall. Flexible commercial space easily convertible into retail, small manufacturing, or office space. Second floor 3BR residence, completely renovated with upgraded kitchen including st ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $185,000.00 Immaculately renovated mixed use facility with commercial and residential components, originally the Bath Grange Hall. Flexible commercial space. Second floor 3BR residence, completely renovated with upgraded kitchen including stainless appliances and granite counter tops. Refinished wood features t ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $164,500.00 Brilliant log home hybrid built in 2007! With the look of logs and the better insulation of a 6 inch wall with sheet rock interior. The home has a 26 x 40 foot print with great master bedroom suite up stairs with full bath, master bedroom, large den adjacent to master bedroom with balcony, and fou ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $159,900.00 This is a very well kept lakefront cottage with a good sized living area, 1 bedroom plus sleeping loft, galley kitchen, glassed in room overlooking the lake, deck, and storage shed. The land is very well landscaped and maintained with 160 of shorefront and a dock. A private road coming in and a quie ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $143,000.00 A spacious and airy great-room gives this country ranch a refreshing attitude, as well as plenty of room for dining and relaxing. Beautiful black walnut kitchen counter top. Brick fireplace in living room with lined chimney and wood stove. Beautiful westerly views of Vermont mountains. The basement ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $135,000.00 Pretty views and a country setting for this very nice 3 bedroom home. Features include: wood floors, nice kitchen, pantry closet, exposed wood beams, big bay window and door to back porch from living room plus a big 4 person hottub in back foyer. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms with 3/4 bathroom. There is a ... Read More! Bath NH  LAND $133,888.00 The Wilderness Awaits You. Park your RV or build your camp on this remote 71 acre wooded lot with access off a class VI road. The land includes trails, an old beaver pond and hill tops. Hunt and camp here while enjoying direct access to snowmobile trails. ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $117,900.00 First or 2nd home with Mountain Lakes District Amenities for $250 annual fee if desired. COMPLETELY remodeled and in nearly new condition. Contemporary style wood stove that gives this a warm atmosphere. Pleasant yard and deck. Open Cathedral Ceilings square footage not included in total sqft +384, ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $110,000.00 This home has been partially updated and is ready for its new owners. With breathtaking views of the Historic Bath Covered Bridge this home can be expanded into the adjoining storage space. This property also includes a shop for commercial space or for your household handyman to store their tools. ... Read More! Bath NH  LAND $105,000.00 Sitting on the front porch of the new home you build here, you will look out over a stone wall, hay fields and wood lots in a SSE direction toward a spectacular view of Mount Moosilauke and the Blue Ridge Range. The gently sloping meadow gives way to a wooded private area and free flowing Childs Bro ... Read More! Bath NH  Home $99,900.00 Looking for a project this year? This might just be the one that is worth your while. Just on the outskirts of Woodsville in the town of Bath is this yesteryear farmhouse with large barn and 5 stall garage/outbuilding. Farmhouse needs some TLC, but has great potential with a well thought out floor p ... Read More!