local information

Jaffrey, New Hampshire

Jaffrey is probably better known as the "Home of Mount Monadnock."

Mount Monadnock lies largely in Jaffrey, a town first granted as Monadnock No. 2 or Middle Monadnock in 1749 and incorporated in 1773. It is named for George Jaffrey of Portsmouth, a N.H. colonial official.

The oldest part of town contains many beautiful houses and the historic 1775 Town House. Nearby, in the cemetery looking toward Mount Monadnock, is the grave of Amos Fortune, an African-born slave who purchased his freedom and that of his wife; he established a tannery in the village. Also buried there are bandbox craftswoman Hannah Davis and author Willa Cather, who summered in the town.

With the development of water power, the modern village rose closer to a textile mill site on the Contoocook River. Summer tourists began visiting Jaffrey in the 1840’s, and several resort hotels were erected at the base of Mount Monadnock.

The first recorded ascent of Mount Monadnock took place in 1725; it has been a popular attraction ever since, and is said, with Mount Fuji in Japan, to be the most climbed mountain in the world.

While you are in town, we invite you to see all that you can see, feel the warmth of a small town, and experience the richness of life this small town has provided for our family and the other families that peacefully reside here.

If you are visiting our community for a funeral or memorial service here, please let us be your own personal concierge.
Whether it's overnight or weekend accommodations at one of our local inns, or simply a nice meal at one of our fine local dining establishments, we will be very pleased to assist you with reservations or guide you with the many choices available here in our beautiful Monadnock Region.  Please click on the Local Resources button below for additional information.

To learn more about the different towns in our area, please use the links we have provided below: