Bedford, New Hampshire
Town
Bedford Presbyterian Church
Bedford Presbyterian Church
Official seal of Bedford, New Hampshire
Seal
Location in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire
Location in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire
Coordinates: 42°56′47″N 71°30′57″W / 42.94639°N 71.51583°W / 42.94639; -71.51583
CountryUnited States
StateNew Hampshire
CountyHillsborough
Incorporated1750
Named forJohn Russell, 4th Duke of Bedford
Government
 • Town Council
  • William Carter, Chair
  • Lori Radke, Vice Chair
  • David Gilbert
  • Sue Thomas
  • Kathleen Bemiss
  • Phil Greazzo
  • Michael Strand
 • Town ManagerRick Sawyer[1]
Area
[2]
 • Total33.1 sq mi (85.6 km2)
 • Land32.8 sq mi (84.9 km2)
 • Water0.3 sq mi (0.7 km2)  0.85%
Elevation
308 ft (94 m)
Population
 (2020)[3]
 • Total23,322
 • Density711/sq mi (274.7/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (Eastern)
ZIP code
03110
Area code603
FIPS code33-011-04500
GNIS feature ID0873541
Websitewww.bedfordnh.org

Bedford is a town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 23,322,[3] reflecting a growth of 10% from 2010. Bedford is a suburb of Manchester, New Hampshire's largest city.

History

In 1733, the Province of Massachusetts Bay established Bedford as "Narragansett, No. 5" for the benefit of soldiers who fought against the Narragansett people in Rhode Island.[4] The area was also known as "Souhegan East". The settlement was incorporated as "Bedford" in 1750,[5] and was named for John Russell, 4th Duke of Bedford.[6] Lord Russell, a close friend of Governor Benning Wentworth, was the Secretary of State for the Southern Department from 1748 to 1751, and his first wife, Diana Spencer, was cousin of the influential Duke of Marlborough.[7]

The first English settlers in Bedford were Robert and James Walker III. A monument dated 1737 stands on what is now known as Station Road (adjacent to Hawthorne Drive), marking the first settlement. Bedford's first moderator was Mayor John Goffe, son of the Colonel John Goffe after whom Goffstown was named.[8]

In 1874, Bedford was served by the Concord Railroad, and service by the Manchester and Ashburnham Railroad was being planned.[4]

Like much of southeastern New Hampshire, Bedford grew rapidly in the second half of the 20th century. The 2000 population of 18,274 was over eight times the population in 1950 of 2,176. Every decade in that period had a substantial rate of growth, ranging from 33 percent between 1980 and 1990 to a 67 percent increase between 1950 and 1960. As of the 2020 census, Bedford was the 11th largest municipality in the state, with a population of 23,322.[3]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 33.1 square miles (85.6 km2), of which 32.8 square miles (84.9 km2) are land and 0.3 square miles (0.7 km2) are water, comprising 0.85% of the town.[3] The largest body of water other than the Merrimack River is Sebbins Pond, which is connected to smaller, neighboring bodies of water by Sebbins Brook.

A rock formation called Pulpit Rock (originally the Devil's Pulpit) is located in the northwest part of the town on New Boston Road and is the feature of the town-owned Pulpit Rock Conservation Area. The highest point in Bedford is Holbrook Hill, at 845 feet (258 m) above sea level, located in the extreme northwest corner of town. Bedford lies fully within the Merrimack River watershed.[9]

Adjacent municipalities

Transportation

Two major highways run through Bedford. The Everett Turnpike runs north-south, and Route 101 runs east-west. The segment of the Everett Turnpike north of NH 101 and the segment of NH 101 east of the Everett Turnpike are designated Interstate 293; I-293 turns at this interchange.

The portion of Route 101 in eastern Bedford is a freeway, while the majority of the route through Bedford and to the west is a surface road. US 3 and Route 114 also run through Bedford.

Manchester–Boston Regional Airport is one town away, in Manchester.

A proposed extension of the MBTA Commuter Rail's Lowell Line would see trains being extended to the neighboring city of Manchester, making stops at Nashua and Bedford along the way.[10] The proposed Bedford/MHT station stop would be located in Bedford underneath the Raymond Wieczorek Drive Bridge, and is intended to serve both the town of Bedford and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.[11]

Government and politics

Bedford is part of New Hampshire's 1st congressional district, currently represented by Democrat Chris Pappas. Bedford is part of the Executive Council of New Hampshire's 4th district, currently represented by Republican Ted Gatsas. In the State Senate, Bedford is part of New Hampshire's 9th State Senate district, currently represented by Republican Denise Ricciardi. Bedford is currently represented in the New Hampshire House of Representatives by Ted Gorski, Linda Gould, John Graham, Sue Mullen, Niki Kelsey, and Catherine Rombeau.

Bedford has long been a Republican stronghold in New Hampshire, voting for the GOP presidential nominee as far back as records are available. In 2020, the Republican winning streak in Bedford was finally broken as Democrat Joe Biden won the town with approximately 51.5% of the vote.

Bedford was one of only four towns in New Hampshire where Democrats backed Hillary Rodham Clinton when she sought the Democratic nomination for president in both 2008 and 2016.

Bedford town vote by party in presidential elections[12]
Year Democratic Republican Third parties
2020 51.0% 7,521 47.8% 7,052 1.1% 166
2016 44.1% 5,851 51.4% 6,816 4.4% 600
2012 36.7% 4,713 62.3% 7,990 0.9% 114
2008 40.5% 5,115 59.2% 7,442 0.6% 61
2004 37.1% 4,047 62.6% 6,836 0.3% 37
2000 35.3% 3,624 62.2% 6,381 2.5% 256
1996 37.8% 3,064 55.1% 4,467 6.7% 573
1992 27.8% 2,251 51.3% 4,145 20.8% 1,685
1988 22.0% 1,499 77.0% 5,237 1.0% 69
1984 19.4% 1,034 80.4% 4,294 0.3% 13
1980 17.9% 853 71.3% 3,400 10.8% 513
1976 31.7% 1,059 67.1% 2,240 1.0% 34
1972 21.1% 655 75.9% 2,360 3.1% 96
Bedford town election results from state and federal races
Year Office Results
2010 Senator Ayotte 73–25%
House Guinta 65–31%
Governor Stephen 52–46%
2012 President Romney 62–37%
House Guinta 60–37%
Governor Lamontagne 59–39%
2014 Senator Brown 62–38%
House Guinta 63–37%
Governor Havenstein 61–39%
2016 President Trump 51–44%
Senator Ayotte 59–38%
House Guinta 50–37%
Governor Sununu 59–38%
2018 House Pappas 50–49%
Governor Sununu 62–37%
2020 President Biden 51–48%
Senator Shaheen 54–45%
House Mowers 49–49%
Governor Sununu 71–28%
2022 Senator Hassan 51–47%
House Pappas 52–48%
Governor Sununu 63–36%

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1790898—
18001,18231.6%
18101,2969.6%
18201,3756.1%
18301,55413.0%
18401,549−0.3%
18501,91423.6%
18601,172−38.8%
18701,2214.2%
18801,204−1.4%
18901,102−8.5%
19001,1484.2%
19101,110−3.3%
19201,1180.7%
19301,32618.6%
19401,56117.7%
19502,17639.4%
19603,63667.1%
19705,85961.1%
19809,48161.8%
199012,56332.5%
200018,27445.5%
201021,20316.0%
202023,32210.0%
U.S. Decennial Census
2020 census demographics[13]
Race Percentage
White, not Hispanic or Latino 86%
Asian 7%
Hispanic or Latino 3%
Black or African American 2%

As of the 2020 census, there were 23,322 people residing in the town. The population density was 707 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was 86.1% White, 1.5% African American, 1.2% Native American, 7.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.4% from some other race, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.2% of the population.

As of the 2010 census, There were 7,364 households, out of which 40.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.8% were headed by married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.8% were non-families. 16.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the town, the age distribution of the population shows 28.6% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 21.4% from 25 to 44, 31.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 92.1 males.[14]

For the period 2006–2010, the median income for a household in the town was $116,299 (in 2010 dollars), and the median income for a family was $127,589. Full-time male workers had median earnings of $99,366 versus $53,286 for females. The per capita income for the town was $50,952. About 2.7% of families and 3.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.2% of those under age 18 and 1.0% of those age 65 or over.[15] Bedford had the fifth highest average personal income in the state between 2006 and 2010.[16]

Education

There are six schools in Bedford: Memorial Elementary School (National Blue Ribbon School awardee in 2012), Peter Woodbury Elementary School, and Riddle Brook Elementary (National Blue Ribbon School awardee in 2017 and 2023) are neighborhood elementary schools that serve grades K through 4. McKelvie Intermediate School accommodates grades 5 and 6. Ross A. Lurgio Middle School and Bedford High School have served grades 7–8 and 9–12, respectively, since their establishment in 2007.

Ross A. Lurgio Middle School and Bedford High School comprise one 300,000 sq ft (28,000 m2) building. The unified construction aimed to take advantage of economies of scale by allowing the schools to share a kitchen, an auditorium, and security guards, but they operate as separate schools with different entrances, bus schedules, start times and end times. Additionally, key-controlled access is required to move between schools.

A small number of athletic fields on the campus of Saint Anselm College are located in Bedford.

Previously Bedford had an agreement with the Manchester School District so that students were sent to Manchester West High School. In 2005 about 900 high school aged residents of Bedford attended Manchester West.[17] Beginning in fall 2007 Bedford stopped sending new students to Manchester West, so it could instead send them to Bedford High. By fall 2009 Bedford no longer sent any levels to Manchester West.[18]

Notable people

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Town Manager". Town of Bedford. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  2. ↑ "2021 U.S. Gazetteer Files – New Hampshire". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Bedford town, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
  4. 1 2 "Bedford". Statistics and Gazetteer of New-Hampshire, 1875. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  5. ↑ Town of Bedford (N.H.) (1903). History of Bedford, New Hampshire, from 1737, being statistics compiled on the occasion of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town, May 15, 1900. Concord, NH: Rumford Printing Company. p. 105.
  6. ↑ "Profile for Bedford, New Hampshire, NH". ePodunk. Archived from the original on October 16, 2014. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  7. ↑ Laybourn, Keith (2001). British Political Leaders: A Biographical Dictionary. Keith. p. 29. ISBN 9781576070437.
  8. ↑ Coolidge, Austin Jacobs; Mansfield, John Brainard (1859). A History and Description of New England, General and Local. Boston: A.J. Coolidge. pp. 502–504.
  9. ↑ Foster, Debra H.; Batorfalvy, Tatianna N.; Medalie, Laura (1995). Water Use in New Hampshire: An Activities Guide for Teachers. U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Geological Survey.
  10. ↑ "Nashua - Manchester 40818 | Project Specific Information | Project Center | NH Department of Transportation". www.nh.gov. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  11. ↑ "Nashua–Manchester (Capitol Corridor) Project Development Phase Public Information Meeting" (PDF). New Hampshire DOT. November 17, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  12. ↑ "Election Results". sos.nh.gov.
  13. ↑ "Decennial Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data Summary Files". The United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data, Bedford town, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire (DP-1)". American Factfinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  15. ↑ "SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS: 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (DP-3) – Bedford town, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire (DP-3)". American Factfinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  16. ↑ "SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS: 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (DP-3) – All Towns, New Hampshire". American Factfinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  17. ↑ "20-year tuition pact between Bedford, city taken". New Hampshire Union Leader. Manchester, NH: A1CI. January 11, 2005.
  18. ↑ "Bedford withdrawal from West approved". New Hampshire Union Leader. Manchester, NH: B1CI. January 10, 2006.
  19. ↑ Kingsbury, John Dennison (1870). Sketch of Rev. Silas Aiken. Welch, Bigelow and Company. p. 3.
  20. ↑ "ATWOOD, David (1815 - 1889)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. United States Congress. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  21. ↑ "Chris Carpenter". New Hampshire.com. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  22. ↑ "Zachariah Chandler - American politician". britannica.com. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
  23. ↑ Daughters of the American Revolution (1905). Lineage Book – National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Volume 19. Daughters of the American Revolution. p. 225.
  24. ↑ "An Interview with Carrie Jones". The Fictionistas. September 25, 2008. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  25. ↑ "Dean Kamen's House Rivals Best Industrial Museums". Design News. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  26. ↑ "For Seth Meyers, you can go home again". Bedford Journal. Archived from the original on May 23, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  27. ↑ Dobbs, Katelyn. "For Seth Meyers, you can go home again". Bedford Journal. Archived from the original on May 23, 2012. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
  28. ↑ "Biography of HON. MACE MOULTON of Manchester NH". GENEALOGY AND HISTORY OF MANCHESTER NEW HAMPSHIRE TRANSCRIBED BY JANICE BROWN. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  29. ↑ Gurewitsch, Matthew (November 11, 2009). "A Soprano's Hat Trick: Puccini Triple Bill". The New York Times. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  30. ↑ "Hollywood sisters say farewell to Granite State roots - New Hampshire". newhampshire.com. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
  31. ↑ Willis, John; Monush, Barry (2010). Screen World 2006. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 404. ISBN 9781557837295.
  32. ↑ "Candidate Profile from Congressional Quarterly: John E. Sununu (R) of Bedford". CNN.com. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  33. ↑ "Woodbury, Peter". Biographical Directory of Article III Federal Judges, 1789-present. Federal Judicial Center. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
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