Sited at the confluence of the Merrimack and Nashua Rivers, just north of where the Merrimack takes a dramatic northeastern bend, the area near present-day Nashua has been inhabited for 8,000 to 10,000 years.

Originally part of the 200-square-mile township of Dunstable, which included land in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, Dunstable, New Hampshire was renamed Nashua, after the river, in 1836 following the development of the township of Nashua Village by the Nashua Manufacturing Company, the first large, planned manufacturing township in New Hampshire.

Chartered as a city in 1853, Nashua’s diverse industrial base was served by an extensive rail network. Today it is the second largest city in northern New England with three commercial districts and well-defined neighborhoods including French Hill, part of the Nashville Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Enjoy a self-guided audio tour of Nashua’s public art using the free Distrx mobile app available for download in the App Store and on Google Play. Search “Downtown Nashua” once downloaded and then select “Tours” to view Art & Sculpture 1, Art & Sculpture 1 en Español, and Art & Sculpture 2!