New Ipswich, settled by Europeans in 1738 and incorporated as a town in 1762, was granted to inhabitants of Ipswich, Massachusetts in 1735. Its location on the Souhegan River provided waterpower for the development of mills and factories that produced glass, potash and linseed oil. The first woolen mill in New Hampshire was established in New Ipswich in 1801, followed by the first cotton mill in 1804.

Bypassed by the railroad, much of New Ipswich’s history has been preserved. Its affluence as a community can be seen in its historic architecture including the Barrett House, a Federal-style mansion located on Main Street that is part of the New Ipswich Center Village Historic District.

New Ipswich Mountain, part of the Wapack range, is the highest point in town. The 21-mile Wapack Trail passes through New Ipswich, which is nestled between Mount Monadnock and Mount Wachusett.