Points of Interest
Hillsborough Center
Hillsborough Center served as the center of local life up to the 20th century. It retains the atmosphere of a 19th century New England town, with its central Common, or public green, lost animal pound, horse sheds, burial ground, school house, and churches.
Gone are the 18th century Meeting House that once graced the spot in
front of the cemetery and the old lookout tower that offered wide views of the area. What remains is
the original nucleus of homes, many still owned by the families that built them, that served as
taverns, shops, a post office, and a blacksmith. Today they are occupied by artists including a
pewtersmith, a seamstress, and a well-known auctioneer. For a great view and picnic spot take the
North Road (the right hand road after the Center's right fork) and drive 1/2 mile until you see a
large clearing on the left. Turn left and drive up to the top of Kimball Hill and behold the view of mountains to the
south (around here, it is referred to as High Mount).
Gibson Pewter
Stepping into this shop is like stepping into the past. See the beautiful pewter items evolve first-hand as a second-generation pewterer masters his craft before your very eyes. Jonathan Gibson carries on the craft year-round in the same 200 year old barn where he apprenticed as a young boy. Jon is a state juried member of the League of N.H. Craftsmen and has been recognized by Early American Life Magazine as one of Americas 200 top traditional craftsmen since 1992. Over 100 pieces of traditional and contemporary designs are available for sale. Each lead-free piece is made with hands-on care, whether cast, hammered, or spun. The Gibson Fruit Bowl and Wood grain Beaker were the only pieces of 20th century pewter taken into the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Hillsborough Bridge
Better known as Hillsborough's Downtown, this village is full of interesting shops and storefronts. You can get authentic German baked goods from German John's, old fashioned ice cream from Central Square Ice Cream Shoppe, an array of antiques at several antique shops, along with food, sweets and gifts at the various tax-free shops. Discover the charming historic buildings with tin ceilings and our mill buildings along the river's edge. We have many changes going on in our Downtown, come and see for yourself.
The Pierce Homestead
Built in 1804 as a home to General Benjamin Pierce, hero of the Revolutionary War, it served as the boyhood home of our 14th President, Franklin Pierce. Franklin Pierce spent half his life in this mansion.
The Homestead, now operated by the Hillsborough Historical Society, is open for tours every day in July
and August, and on weekends in June, September and the first half of October.
The Homestead is a living museum and has been restored to its early 19th century appearance. It features original stenciling, 1824 wallpaper, period furnishings, and historical mementos of the Pierce family. Adults pay $2.50 admission; children enter at no charge. Call 478-3165 for more information.
The Lower Village
To find this spot, either follow the second NH Turnpike south from the Homestead (left from parking area), or take the first left (Saw Mill Rd.) after the Sampan Restaurant westbound on Rt. 9. This grouping of early houses, surrounded by forests, is rich in both character and history. Many homes date to the early 19th century, and the Union Chapel is a noteworthy white clapboard church.
Many a famous American has come from this small village, including the founder of American Express, the father of Vaudeville, a railway magnate, and a U.S. President. We suggest you sample the water.
The Upper Village
Turn right from Rt. 9 on Rt. 31, passing the Pierce Homestead. The Upper Village consists of a collection of 19th century houses and stores with a distinct small town feeling. Many date back to the time of Benjamin Pierce, who is buried in the graveyard just before the village. A walking tour brochure is offered at the Pierce Homestead.
Kemp's Truck Museum
If you love old Mack Trucks, they are sitting for your inspection along the banks of the Contoocook River.
The museum is an open exhibit, and can be found on River Street just off Central
Square at Hillsborough Bridge. Turn South at the traffic light, then turn left immediately at the
bottom of the hill before passing over the bridge. It is claimed that this is the largest collection
of Mack Trucks in the World.
The Community Building and Fuller Public Library
This palatial School Street Victorian was built for New Hampshire's Governor Smith
as a summer retreat.
Today, it serves as our town offices with the Fuller Public Library on the main level. The library is worth a visit if not simply to appreciate the grandeur of the architecture. Upstairs is the D.A.R. Museum Room, which houses a diverse collection of historic artifacts.
Hillsborough Center served as the center of local life up to the 20th century. It retains the atmosphere of a 19th century New England town, with its central Common, or public green, lost animal pound, horse sheds, burial ground, school house, and churches.
Gone are the 18th century Meeting House that once graced the spot in
front of the cemetery and the old lookout tower that offered wide views of the area. What remains is
the original nucleus of homes, many still owned by the families that built them, that served as
taverns, shops, a post office, and a blacksmith. Today they are occupied by artists including a
pewtersmith, a seamstress, and a well-known auctioneer. For a great view and picnic spot take the
North Road (the right hand road after the Center's right fork) and drive 1/2 mile until you see a
large clearing on the left. Turn left and drive up to the top of Kimball Hill and behold the view of mountains to the
south (around here, it is referred to as High Mount).
Gibson Pewter
Stepping into this shop is like stepping into the past. See the beautiful pewter items evolve first-hand as a second-generation pewterer masters his craft before your very eyes. Jonathan Gibson carries on the craft year-round in the same 200 year old barn where he apprenticed as a young boy. Jon is a state juried member of the League of N.H. Craftsmen and has been recognized by Early American Life Magazine as one of Americas 200 top traditional craftsmen since 1992. Over 100 pieces of traditional and contemporary designs are available for sale. Each lead-free piece is made with hands-on care, whether cast, hammered, or spun. The Gibson Fruit Bowl and Wood grain Beaker were the only pieces of 20th century pewter taken into the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Hillsborough Bridge
Better known as Hillsborough's Downtown, this village is full of interesting shops and storefronts. You can get authentic German baked goods from German John's, old fashioned ice cream from Central Square Ice Cream Shoppe, an array of antiques at several antique shops, along with food, sweets and gifts at the various tax-free shops. Discover the charming historic buildings with tin ceilings and our mill buildings along the river's edge. We have many changes going on in our Downtown, come and see for yourself.
The Pierce Homestead
Built in 1804 as a home to General Benjamin Pierce, hero of the Revolutionary War, it served as the boyhood home of our 14th President, Franklin Pierce. Franklin Pierce spent half his life in this mansion.
The Homestead, now operated by the Hillsborough Historical Society, is open for tours every day in July
and August, and on weekends in June, September and the first half of October.
The Homestead is a living museum and has been restored to its early 19th century appearance. It features original stenciling, 1824 wallpaper, period furnishings, and historical mementos of the Pierce family. Adults pay $2.50 admission; children enter at no charge. Call 478-3165 for more information.
The Lower Village
To find this spot, either follow the second NH Turnpike south from the Homestead (left from parking area), or take the first left (Saw Mill Rd.) after the Sampan Restaurant westbound on Rt. 9. This grouping of early houses, surrounded by forests, is rich in both character and history. Many homes date to the early 19th century, and the Union Chapel is a noteworthy white clapboard church.
Many a famous American has come from this small village, including the founder of American Express, the father of Vaudeville, a railway magnate, and a U.S. President. We suggest you sample the water.
The Upper Village
Turn right from Rt. 9 on Rt. 31, passing the Pierce Homestead. The Upper Village consists of a collection of 19th century houses and stores with a distinct small town feeling. Many date back to the time of Benjamin Pierce, who is buried in the graveyard just before the village. A walking tour brochure is offered at the Pierce Homestead.
Kemp's Truck Museum
If you love old Mack Trucks, they are sitting for your inspection along the banks of the Contoocook River.
The museum is an open exhibit, and can be found on River Street just off Central
Square at Hillsborough Bridge. Turn South at the traffic light, then turn left immediately at the
bottom of the hill before passing over the bridge. It is claimed that this is the largest collection
of Mack Trucks in the World.
The Community Building and Fuller Public Library
This palatial School Street Victorian was built for New Hampshire's Governor Smith
as a summer retreat.
Today, it serves as our town offices with the Fuller Public Library on the main level. The library is worth a visit if not simply to appreciate the grandeur of the architecture. Upstairs is the D.A.R. Museum Room, which houses a diverse collection of historic artifacts.