Amherst Village is a perfect example of a late 18th and early 19th century New England town that has transitioned into modern times while retaining its traditional grace and character. Often called the “Williamsburg of Southern New Hampshire,” Amherst’s beautiful village green, colonial-era homes, and majestic shade trees form the center of the town that draws visitors from all over the world. The land on which Amherst sits was granted by the Province of Massachusetts Bay Colony to the soldiers who had served in the Narragansett Indian Wars. These settlers began arriving in the area as early as 1735 and, by 1760, Amherst was incorporated as a town named after General Sir Jeffrey Amherst, Commander-in-Chief of the British armies in North America.

As the county seat from 1769-1864, Amherst functioned as the center of law, transportation, agriculture, and commerce for all of southern New Hampshire. Horace Greeley, one of the founders of the Republican Party and a candidate for president in 1872, was born here, and Daniel Webster gave his first speech here as a trial lawyer. Franklin Pierce, 14th president of the United States, was wed to Jane Appleton in the mansion located here on Pierce Lane. After the courts moved to Manchester and Nashua, the town became a quieter place. Today, Amherst is a thriving, friendly town, steeped in the traditions of its history. Residents are proud of their village center, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is protected by a local historic district ordinance.

Uncrowded and true to its heritage of historic preservation and diligent planning, this attractive community has handled the accelerated growth of the area with intelligence and style. Strict zoning, excellent schools, fine town services, recreational facilities, and conservation land add to the pleasure of life in Amherst.

Also important to the convenience of living in Amherst are the clusters of businesses, most notably along Routes 101 and 101A, which offer their products and services to residents and visitors.

The town supports an excellent school system with active parent involvement. In 1994 the Souhegan High School received the “Excellence in Education Award.” This prestigious award is given to only one high school in the state in any given year. An example of the school’s commitment to the future of the community is found in its mission statement, which begins: “Souhegan High School aspires to be a community of learners born of respect, trust and courage.”

Recreational facilities are plentiful in Amherst. There are athletic fields, four golf courses, tennis courts, and an outdoor skating rink. For boating and swimming, residents enjoy Baboosic Lake. There are hiking and cross-country ski trails at Joe English Reservation, as well as at Harding and Plumb Memorial Forests. Joe English Reservation is a 370-acre heavily wooded tract in the northwest corner of Amherst, offering blazed trails, streams, a beaver pond, “lookout rock,” an old cellar hole, and extensive mountain laurel. The walk along the logging road from the end of Brook Road is wheelchair and stroller accessible when the ground is hard and dry. Access points are at the north end of Brook Road and 3/4 mile up Chestnut Hill Road on the left. Hodgeman State Forest, a remote 18-acre parcel between Boston Post Road and Route 122, is a favorite with hikers.

Numerous clubs and organizations add to the atmosphere of a strong, family-oriented community. Peacock Players Children’s Theatre and Gymnastics Village are two mainstays of the community with various activities for children.

Annual events reflect the character of any community, and this is especially true in Amherst. The “single lighted candle aglow in every window” around the holiday season; the annual lighting of the tree on the Village Green; the September Amherst Antique Show & Sale on the Common; and the midnight tolling of the steeple bell on the Fourth of July — all contribute to the heritage and ongoing spirit of the town of Amherst.