Rockingham County, NH Area Guide

Rockingham County, NH Area Guide

Rockingham County is a spectacular county located in the southeastern portion of the state, bordering 18 miles of New Hampshire’s scenic coastline. The county offers everything visitors and residents could want from an amazing assortment of attractions, wonderful events, rich history, and beautiful parks teeming with nature. Residents can enjoy all the amenities that come from living near metropolitan areas and booming business and industry in construction, electric, gas and sanitation services, retail trade, services and manufacturing. Discover more about Rockingham County by continuing to reading below or visiting their official website at: http://www.co.rockingham.nh.us/

History

Rockingham County was home to New Hampshire's first European settlements, Pannaway and Strawbery Banke founded around 1620. In 1623, a man named David Thomas first settled New Hampshire at Odiorne Point in what is now known as the Town of Rye. By the mid 1600s, the county included three of the four original New Hampshire towns and was the center for business, trade and government for the entire state. The government was linked tightly with Massachusetts until New Hampshire became a separate colony in 1679, but counties weren't introduced until 1769.

Rockingham County was organized in 1769 as one of the five original counties for the colony of New Hampshire. Rockingham was named for Charles Weston Wentworth, Second Marquis of Rockingham, who had been Prime Minister in 1765-1766. The county incorporated in 1771, naming its county seat Exeter. The state capital was located in Portsmouth first, then later moved to Exeter and other towns. In 1808 the capital finally settled to its current location in Concord. In 1844 its area was reduced by the formation of Belknap County to the northwest. In 1997 the county court facilities were moved to Brentwood, a rural town adjacent to Exeter. To discover all this and more information about Rockingham County’s rich history, please visit: http://www.co.rockingham.nh.us/about/about.htm

Nearby Attractions & Activities

Rockingham County is home to a vast assortment of spectacular attractions and activities that draw visitors from all over. The whole family can have fun at one of Rockingham County’s exciting water parks or discovery centers. Take in the fresh air and scenic views at America’s Stonehenge or explore the skies by taking a balloon ride. If you are looking for something to do in the evening, why not take in a show at the Leddy Center of Performing Arts or The Music Hall. Please feel free to explore the links provide below and realize the excitement that awaits you.

A& a Balloon Rides, LLC
http://www.balloonridesnh.com/index.html

Albacore Park
http://ussalbacore.org/

America’s Stonehenge
http://www.stonehengeusa.com/VisitUs11.html

Canobie Lake Park
http://www.canobie.com/index.html

Great Bay Discovery Center
http://www.greatbay.org/about/facilities.htm

The Historic Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden
http://www.moffattladd.org/

Leddy Center of Performing Arts
http://www.leddycenter.org/

The Music Hall
http://www.themusichall.org/

Seacoast Science Center
http://www.seacoastsciencecenter.org/

Water Country
http://www.watercountry.com/

Parks and Recreation

New Hampshire is home to a dedicated Parks and Recreation Department that serves all of its citizen’s needs. The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation is responsible for maintaining over 75 state parks. From incredible athletic and historic programs and facilities to beautiful parks, New Hampshire has got you covered. Wander along dappled paths or watch the kids play on one of the numerous safe playgrounds. For more information about the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation programs or rental information, please click here: http://www.nhstateparks.org/

Events Calendar

Rockingham County offers numerous entertaining events for you and your family to experience annually! From holiday events, to festivals, and community gatherings, there’s something for people of all ages and interests. Please visit the link provided below to discover just a few of these family-friendly events and activities that await you in the upcoming months.  http://portsmouth.citysearch.com/find/section/portsmouth/events.html