Granted to soldiers who had participated in King Philip’s War, “Narragansett Number 3” was settled by European colonists in 1733 and later called “Souhegan Number 3.” Chartered in 1760 as Amherst, the town was named after Sir Jeffery Amherst, Commander-in-Chief of the British in North America at the time, whose legacy is being reexamined. It became the first county seat of Hillsborough County in 1770, with a central village containing a courthouse, jail, pillory, and a whipping post.

Amherst’s town center is well known for its history and beauty. Its village green, which is surrounded by well-preserved historic buildings, remains a focal point of the community. Here, the town hosts events such as a large Fourth of July celebration, a Christmas tree lighting and band concerts.

With a population of approximately 11,500 residents and a land area of nearly 35 square miles, Amherst is a growing suburban-rural community that has successfully maintained many desirable historic and rural characteristics.