Incorporated: 1639
Population: 15,280
County Name: Rockingham
(county map)
Town Contact:
Town of Hampton
100 Winnacunnet Road
Hampton, NH 03842

Phone: 603-926-6766
Fax: 603-926-6853
Website: www.town.hampton.nh.us

Origin:
First called Winnacunnet, the Indian name for "pleasant pines," Hampton was one of four original New Hampshire towns established by the Massachusetts government. In 1638, the area, which included land now in Seabrook, Kensington, Danville, Kingston, East Kingston, Sandown, North Hampton, South Hampton and Hampton Falls, was settled by a group of parishioners led by Reverend Stephen Bachiler. He had previously preached in Hampton, England, and the town was incorporated as Hampton in 1639. Poet John Greenleaf Whittier was a direct descendant of Reverend Bachiler. Construction of arailroad in the 1850s made Hampton's oceanfront a popular resort.

More about Hampton:
Colonial charm and dramatic waterfront views make Hampton a wonderful place to visit in the summer and fall. Hampton Beach is home to a lively (and somewhat gaudy) oceanfront strip of restaurants, shops and amusement parlors, plus a state park that offers camping along the beach. Deep sea fishing and whale watching charters are popular with tourists.