The Flooded Ghost Town of Hill, NH is a fascinating and eerie reminder of natural disasters’ impact on human settlements. Located in New Hampshire, this abandoned town was constantly flooded every spring, forcing its residents to move their town up on the bluff in the early 1900s.
Today, only a few cellar holes, a wrought iron railing, and a lonely tree in the center remain, but they are enough to take visitors on a journey through the remnants of a town that once thrived.
For history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, the Flooded Ghost Town of Hill, NH is a must-visit destination. The town’s layout and neighborhoods offer a glimpse into what life was like in the early 1900s, while the marker indicating the various high water marks serves as a reminder of the floods that forced the town’s abandonment.
The town’s wildlife and natural surroundings also make for a beautiful and serene experience, despite the eerie atmosphere.
Overall, the Flooded Ghost Town of Hill, NH is a unique and captivating destination that offers visitors a chance to explore a forgotten piece of history and appreciate the power of nature.
Key Takeaways
- Hill, NH was an old town site that was frequently flooded every spring.
- In the early 1900’s, the residents of Hill decided to move the town up on the bluff, leaving only a few cellar holes, a wrought iron railing, and a lonely tree in the center.
- There are two major areas of the defunct town, one on the immediate left next to the river and the other at the intersection which would have been the town center.
- The town’s foundations are covered by heavy brush in summer and may be easier to see during the fall.
Location and History
The location and history of Hill, NH as an old town site that was constantly flooded every spring and was eventually relocated to a bluff, holds historical significance. The decision to relocate the entire community in the early 1900s was made due to the area’s frequent flooding.
The residents of Hill moved all the buildings to the bluff, now known as New Hill. The abandoned old town site is a reminder of the challenges early settlers face in the region, and the community’s perseverance to find a new location to rebuild their homes and businesses.
“Hill was incorporated in 1778 and was originally called New Chester also part of Grafton County. In 1754 the grant for New Chester was made and included an area of 30,000 acres that included area that is now the towns of Hill, Bristol, Bridgewater and a small portion of Wilmot and Danbury. The name of New Chester was changed in January 1837 to Hill in honor of Hon. Isaac Hill then governor of New Hampshire. The town was disannexed from Grafton County in 1868 and made part of Merrimack county.”
https://townofhillnh.org/
The community relocation to the bluff was a significant event in Hill, NH’s history. It required a tremendous amount of effort and resources and involved moving all the buildings, including homes, businesses, and public structures, to a new location.
Today, the few remaining cellar holes, wrought iron railing, and a lonely tree in the center serve as reminders of the town’s past. The flooded ghost town of Hill, NH is a fascinating place to visit and explore, providing a glimpse into the region’s history and the challenges early settlers face.
Layout and Neighborhoods
Two distinct neighborhoods can be observed in the defunct town of Hill, with one located next to the river and the other at the intersection which would have been the center of town.
The first neighborhood on the immediate left next to the river has a dozen or so foundations with a rusted sewer pipe running through them all. Visitors can follow the path above and see a marker indicating the various high water marks.
Meanwhile, the second neighborhood has crumbling sidewalks on either side with railings and barbwire fences that trees have grown around.
The foundations are covered by heavy brush in summer and may be easier to see during the fall. Exploring the ruins of Hill can be a rewarding experience for history buffs and adventurers alike.
Visitors can walk through the remnants of the two neighborhoods, imagining what life was like for the town’s former residents.
Hidden artifacts may be found among the foundations, giving a glimpse into the past. However, visitors should be cautious when exploring the area as the foundations and sidewalks may be unstable.
Also, heavy brush and overgrowth can make navigating the area difficult.
Wildlife and Additional Information
Visitors to the defunct town of Hill may be interested in the diverse wildlife that inhabits the surrounding fields and woods, which have been designated as a wildlife preserve. The preservation of this area is a testament to the town’s flooding aftermath and how the residents have adapted to the changing landscape.
Here are some interesting wildlife facts to consider:
- The wildlife in the area includes many species of birds such as hawks, owls, and woodpeckers.
- The preserve is also home to a variety of mammals, including deer, foxes, and coyotes.
- Reptiles and amphibians such as turtles, snakes, and frogs can also be found in the area.
- The preservation efforts have helped maintain these animals’ natural habitat and provide a safe environment for them to thrive.
In addition to the diverse wildlife, there are other signs of Hill’s flooding aftermath. Dead branches some 30 feet high in the trees were obviously not from the same tree due to the flooding. This serves as a reminder of the town’s history and how the residents had to adapt to the changing landscape.
The wildlife preservation efforts are a testament to the town’s resilience and how it continues to adapt to the changes brought about by the forces of nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the town to flood every spring constantly?
The causes of flooding in Hill, NH were due to the town’s location in a flood-prone area. This significantly impacted the community as the town was constantly flooded every spring, leading to the town’s relocation in the early 1900s.
How long did it take for the residents of Hill to relocate the town up on the bluff?
The relocation of Hill, NH up on the bluff responded to the town’s constant flooding every spring. The residents faced relocation challenges, but successfully moved the town in the early 1900s. The historical significance of the town’s relocation and preservation efforts are evident in the remnants of the old town site, which include cellar holes, a wrought iron railing, and a tree that may have been the town square.
Are there any remaining buildings or structures from the original town site?
Exploring ruins and documenting history in Hill, NH reveals that there are no remaining buildings or structures from the original town site. Only a few cellar holes, a wrought iron railing, and a lonely tree remain as evidence of the town’s relocation.
What kind of wildlife can be found in the fields and woods around the town?
Wildlife sightings in the fields and woods around Hill, NH include white-tailed deer, black bears, and coyotes. The ecological impact of the town’s relocation has allowed for the preservation of natural habitats and a diverse range of wildlife.
Is there any evidence of the town’s former residents or their way of life that can be seen in the remaining foundations and structures?
Archaeological artifacts found in the remaining foundations and structures indicate the former residents’ way of life. Local legends suggest that the relocated town was a close-knit community that relied heavily on farming and had a strong sense of community.
