Nature & Scenery | Farming | Culture | History | Recreation | Railroads Products & Services
Claremont is perched on the banks of the Sugar River
several miles upstream from its confluence with the Connecticut River. The town
is set out on a series of hills around cascades on the Sugar River where textile
mills, constructed in the mid-19th century, stimulated the growth of the city.
Claremont today is a diverse community whose attractions range from concerts
at the recently restored Claremont Opera House to stock car races at the Claremont
Speedway.
Claremont is the Waypoint community for an area that includes Plainfield, Cornish,
Unity, Charlestown, and Newport, NH, and Springfield and Weathersfield, VT.
Its Waypoint Interpretive Center on North Street offers a panoramic view across
the Sugar River to long rows of handsome historic mill buildings, and to the
isolated cone of Mt. Ascutney.
The designated Byway routes in the Claremont area are Route 12A in New Hampshire and Route 5 in Vermont.
Mt. Ascutney, a "monadnock" or solitary mountain, dominates the landscape in the Claremont area. Visible from downtown Claremont, as well as much of the valley, it includes a seasonal road to the summit. The Sugar River pours from Lake Sunapee and winds its way through Newport and Claremont before joining the Connecticut. Other tributaries of the Connecticut in the area are the little Sugar River in Charlestown, and the Black River, in Springfield, VT.
For more about birding and nature observation in the
Claremont area, visit the Connecticut
River Birding Trail.
In addition to the Connecticut River Byway routes, the State of New Hampshire
lists other scenic
drives.
For more about Nature
& Scenery on the Connecticut River Byway
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The 1895 Italian Renaissance Revival Structure that
houses the Claremont City Hall and Opera
House (603-542-4433) architecturally dominates
downtown Claremont. The Opera House offers an interesting performance series
in a beautifully restored auditorium. The building is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places.
Among the most illustrious artists of the Connecticut River Valley was the sculptor
Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907). The Saint-Gaudens
National Historic Site, Cornish, NH, preserves
the home, gardens and studios where the sculptor summered from 1885-1897. Among
his most well-known works are the Chicago sculpture depicting Abraham Lincoln,
the Shaw Memorial in Boston, and the monument to General Sherman in front of
New York's Plaza Hotel. Saint-Gaudens drew into his sphere many other artists
and musicians who collectively became known as the Cornish Colony, here at "little
New York," from about 1885-1935. The National Park Service operates the
150 acre site and its hiking trails that explore the park's natural areas.
Among those drawn to the Cornish Colony was the Parrish family, including popular
artist Maxfield Parrish, who created luminous paintings of Connecticut River
Valley scenes. Those who live here know that the remarkable lighting for which
his work is so well known is a true reflection of the Connecticut River Valley
skies. The Town Hall in Plainfield, NH, features the recently restored stage
scenery of Parrish's design. His work is shown at the Cornish
Colony Museum, Windsor, VT.
The Fells, on the shore of Lake Sunapee, is one of New England's finest examples of an early 20th-century summer estate, with outstanding gardens and hiking trails. Set on the shore of Lake Sunapee in Newbury, The Fells was the summer retreat for Secretary of State John M. Hay, who also served as private secretary to Abraham Lincoln. The estate is open to the public and protected as a wildlife refuge by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Near the Waypoint Visitor Center is the T & E Gallery, showcasing the work of many Connecticut River Valley artists of Claremont, Newport, Cornish, and beyond.
For more about Culture
on the Connecticut River Byway
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The Claremont Historical Society operates a Museum (603-543-1400) on Mulberry Street. There are three historic districts in Claremont, and more in neighboring Charlestown, Newport, Enfield, and Springfield and Weathersfield, VT. Of particular interest is a well-preserved early burying ground in the center of town, just behind the Fiske Free Library.
The
Fort at No. 4,
in Charlestown, NH, offers a glimpse of what life was like when the Northern Valley
was a frontier in the mid-1700s, including exhibits and re-enactments. The Enfield
Shaker Museum preserves the history and culture
of a community founded in 1793 as the ninth of eighteen Shaker communities established
in the country. The Springfield (VT) Telescope Makers keep alive the traditions established at the Stellafane Observatory a National Historic Landmark. The Observatory played a pioneering role in the development of amateur telescope making and popular astronomy in the United States.
The Eureka Schoolhouse, across the Connecticut in Springfield, is a rare surviving one-room schoolhouse from the late 18th century. A state historic site, it is furnished with school memorabilia. Also on the site is the Baltimore Covered Bridge, built in the Town Lattice format in 1870.
The Salmon P. Chase Birthplace honors a man who served in all three branches of the Federal Government and lived here the first eight years of his life. Before the Civil War, as a U.S. Senator, he fought to end slavery, before serving as Secretary of the Treasury. In 1864 President Abraham Lincoln appointed him Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. The National Historic Landmark, located on Route 12A in Cornish, NH, is operated as a bed-and-breakfast inn, and hosted Vice President Gore when he visited the Connecticut River in 1999.
Among the historic bridges in the Claremont area in New Hampshire are three in nearby Cornish, including the longest covered bridge in the U.S., the Cornish-Windsor Bridge over the Connecticut River. Two smaller bridges in Cornish are the Blacksmith Shop Bridge and the Dingleton Hill Bridge, both of which span Mill Brook. The Blow-Me-Down Bridge spans a deep gorge in a brook by the same distinctive name. Covered bridges in nearby Weathersfield, Vermont, are the Salmond Bridge and Titcomb Bridge, and the
Downers Bridge over the Black River.
Newport boasts three covered bridges, all of which span the Sugar River: the Pier Bridge, Wright's Bridge and the Corbin Bridge.
State historic markers in the area offer a glimpse into the past, where tangible reminders remain or where events may have passed without a trace. The marker at the Fort at No. 4 in Charlestown was among the first two erected by the state of New Hampshire, in 1958.
For more about History
on the Connecticut River Byway
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Recreation
The Connecticut River Joint Commissions provide maps that
identify access and describe other important aspects of boating on the river.
In the Claremont area, from north to south, they include:
In
the Shadow of Mount Ascutney,
Weathersfield
Bow Region, and
Bellows
Falls Pool.
North Star Canoe Rentals (603-542-5802) is located at Balloch's Crossing on Route
12A in Cornish. Charlestown is notable for the hang-gliding activities that take
place at the Morningside Flight Park, on Perry Hill, off of Route 12 north of
town.
The closest state park is Wilgus
State Park in Ascutney, VT.
For more about Recreation
on the Connecticut River Byway
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Farming
Claremont's industrial heritage has always been accompanied
by a strong agricultural tradition, which survives today among its many mainstream
and specialty farmers.
In the Claremont area you can buy many agricultural products directly from the
producers. Nearby, the eagerly anticipated Cornish
Fair draws spectators and participants to the animal competitions, displays
of fruits, vegetables, and crafts, and the sights and sounds of farm life past
and present.
Farmers Markets | Farm
Stands and Pick Your Own
For more about Farming
on the Connecticut River Byway
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Claremont is served by an Amtrak stop at a former train station, now private property, that is about a mile from the downtown
For more about Railroads
on the Connecticut River Byway
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Products, Lodging, Dining, Services & Local Links
Call 1-877-CTBYWAY for more information
Greater
Claremont Chamber of Commerce
Southern
Windsor Regional Marketing Organization
Windsor/Mt.
Ascutney Region Chamber of Commerce
For more about Products
on the Connecticut River Byway
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Below, you'll find listings of farmers' markets in the greater Claremont waypoint region, followed by individual farm stands and farms where you can pick your own farm-fresh products. For more, visit Valley Food and Farm's searchable site.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Claremont Farmers' Market
Near the Opera House in the historic center of Claremont,
NH. Thursday afternoons.
The Farmers' Market in Charlestown
St. Luke's Church on Main St., Charlestown, NH, Wednesdays,
early June 6 - mid-October, 2-6pm. Bedding flowers, fresh vegetables, eggs,
maple syrup, honey, goats milk soap, baked goods, berries, apples, wood products,
fresh and dried herbs, jams, jellies and beef jerky. Rain or shine, 603-826-7754.
E-mail: clarkns@cyberportal.net
Cornish Farmers' Market
Cornish Flat, NH. Saturdays, May-October, 9am-noon. Local
produce, baked goods, bread, woolens, gifts, goats milk soap. Special sales/exchanges
once a month, book sale and marionette show. Rain or shine, 603-542-8635.
Newport Farmers' Market
Newport Common, North Main St., Newport, NH. Fridays,
June 8-October 12, 3-6pm. Locally grown produce, including vegetables, fruits,
flowers and plants; home baked bread, goat cheese, soaps, herbs, hand-knitted
garments and other specialty craft items. Musical entertainment, demonstrations
and baby animals. Rain or shine, 603-863-4847.
VERMONT
Springfield Farmers’ Market
Main Street, downtown Springfield VT. Wednesdays, mid-June
- September, 3-6 PM, Susan Dunning, 802-885-5409
Farmstands &
Pick Your Own
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Blueberry Acres
Dick/Shirley Elsesser
Derry Hill Rd., Acworth, NH 03601
8am-8pm
603-835-2259
E-mail: blueberries@top.monad.net
Blueberries
Bartletts Blueberry Farm
Heidi/Bill Bartlett
648 Bradford Rd., Newport NH 03773
Please call for hours
603-863-2585
Blueberries
Beaver Pond Farm
Nelsons & McDonoughs
Rt. 11 & 103
John Stark Hwy. Newport, NH 03773
9:30am-5:30pm, year round
603-543-1107/542-7339
E-mail: bpf@sugar-river.net
Vegetables, fruit, maple syrup, honey, cheese, homemade jams & pies.
VERMONT
Wellwood Orchards
Roy Mark
529 Wellwood Orchard Road, Springfield, VT 05156
(Take Valley St., center Springfield, about 3 mi, left after Country Club)
Mid-June to Mid-July
802-263-5200
Strawberries, Farm Stand, PYO
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NEW HAMPSHIRE
Claremont, NH – FIRST ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
Southerly on Old Church Road is located the first Roman
Catholic edifice in New Hampshire. It was erected in 1823 under he direction
of the Reverend Virgil Horace Barber, S.J. The building served St. Mary's parish
and contained the first man Catholic School in the State.
Located on the south side of NH 12 and 103 about 1.5 miles east of the Connecticut
River.
Claremont, NH – UNION CHURCH
Located easterly on Old Church Road, this wood-frame
structure, built in 1771-1773, is the oldest standing Episcopal church in the
State, serving the second oldest parish. The parish began in 1768 as a mission
of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. The first
rector was Reverend Ranna Cossitt (1771-1785).
Located on NH 12-A, the Jarvis Hill Road, about 1 mile south of its junction
with NH 12 and 103.
Charlestown, NH – FORT AT NO. 4
In 1744 the settlers at No. 4 (now Charlestown) built
a great log fort enclosing many of the town's dwellings. The fort, northernmost
in the Connecticut Valley, was besieged in 1747 by a large force of French and
Indians who were beaten off by the 31-man garrison in a 3-day battle. The fort
was never again attacked.
Located on the west side of NH 12, midway between the business and residential
sections of Charlestown.
Charlestown, NH – GENERAL JOHN STARK'S EXPEDITION
TO BENNINGTON, AUGUST 1777
To impede a British invasion from Canada into eastern
New York, the New Hampshire legislature, on July 19, 1777, commissioned John
Stark of Derryfield to recruit and lead a force of 1500 New Hampshire militiamen.
At Charlestown's Fort No. 4, forces were assembled with food, medical supplies
and military stores. On August 3, they marched west and, in the famed Battle
of Bennington on August 16, they defeated the combined British-German forces,
thereby achieving a major turning point of the war.
Located on the west side of NH 12, about 75 feet north of the marker titled
"Fort at No. 4."
Cornish, NH – CORNISH-WINDSOR BRIDGE
Built in 1866 at a cost of $9,000, this is the longest
wooden bridge in the United States and the longest two-span covered bridge in
the world. The fourth bridge at this site, the 460-foot structure was built
by Bela J. Fletcher (1811-1877) of Claremont and James F. Tasker (1826-1903)
of Cornish, using a lattice truss patented by architect Ithiel Town in 1820
and 1835. Built as a toll bridge by a private corporation, the span was purchased
by the State of New Hampshire in 1936 and made toll-free in 1943.
Located on NH 12-A, across the Connecticut River from Windsor, Vermont.
Cornish, NH – SALMON PORTLAND CHASE
In this house was born Salmon P. Chase, U.S. Senator
from Ohio (1849-1855), Governor of Ohio (1855-1859), a founder of the Republican
Party and leader in the anti-slavery movement. After serving as Secretary of
the Treasury in Lincoln's Cabinet, he was appointed Chief Justice of the United
States. The Chase Manhattan Bank in New York was named in his honor.
Located on NH 12-A about 2 miles north of the Claremont-Cornish town line.
Cornish, NH – THE CORNISH COLONY
The Cornish Colony (1885-1935) was a group of artists,
sculptors, writers, journalists, poets, and musicians who joined the sculptor
Augustus Saint-Gaudens in Cornish and found the area a delightful place to live
and work. Some prominent members were sculptor Herbert Adams, poet Percy MacKaye,
architect Charles A. Platt, and artist Stephen Parrish and nearby is the studio
of his son, Maxfield Parrish, now a museum.
Located on NH 12-A, just north of the entrance to the Saint-Gaudens National
Historic Site.
Cornish, NH – WINSTON CHURCHILL
American author of best-selling novels, such as "Coniston",
written between 1898-1941 and partly based upon actual experience in New Hampshire
politics. His nearby residence, "Harlakenden House", was built in
1898 and burned in 1923. It also served as a summer home for President Woodrow
Wilson in 1913, 1914, and 1915.
Located on the west side of NH 12-A about 200 yards south of the Plainfield-Cornish
town line.
Newport, NH – JOEL McGREGOR – LAST SURVIVING
SOLIDER OF THE REVOLUTION
Born in Enfield, Conn. in 1760, Joel McGregor enlisted
in 1777 and served five years. Taken prisoner by the British, he was confined
eight months in the famous OLD SUGAR HOUSE in New York City. He settled in Newport
in 1789 and was resident for 72 years, dying October 31, 1861 at the age of
101. He is believed to have been New Hampshire's last surviving soldier of the
Revolution.
Located on the west side of NH 10, at its intersection with Corbin Road,
in the northern end of downtown Newport.
Newport, NH – SARAH JOSEPHA BUELL HALE (1788-1879)
Prominent humanitarian, poet and author was born and
taught school in Guild section of Newport. Widowed mother of five, she edited
"Godey's Lady Book", 1837-1877; composed poem now called "Mary
Had A Little Lamb"; advocated proclamation of Thanksgiving Day as national
festival; and appealed constantly for higher education for women.
Located on the north side of NH 103, near the post office, in the Guild section
of Newport.
VERMONT
Springfield, VT – EUREKA SCHOOLHOUSE (1785)
This, the oldest Schoolhouse in Vermont, was in continuous
use from 1785 to 1900 at Eureka Four Corners. In 1968 it was removed to this
site and reconstructed by a Committee of Springfield Citizens, and the State
Board of Historic Sites. State Board of Historic Site – 1970
Located on U.S. Route 11, south of downtown.
Springfield, VT– MILITARY ROAD
Crown Point Road had ferry and eastern terminus here.
This historic road was built by British General Jeffrey Amherst in 1759-60,
from Fort No. 4 across the river in Charlestown northwesterly to Chimney Point
opposite newly captured Crown Point on Lake Champlain. The wars ended, Yankee
pioneers flooded into the "Grants."
Located on U.S. Route 5, north of Cheshire Bridge.
Weathersfield, VT – WILLIAM JARVIS
Consul to Lisbon was First to Import Large Numbers of
Merino Sheep to U.S.
In 1811, Consul Jarvis brought from Spain to his farm in Weathersfield Bow the
prized Merino sheep, whose longer fiber revolutionized the woolen industry and
stimulated sheep raising throughout the East. In the 1830's Merinos were the
state's principal livestock.
Located on U.S. Route 5, Weathersfield Bow
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River Byway Council
farm scene at top by Rosamond Orford