A Brief History
The Upper Ashuelot, which was later renamed Keene, was originally a part of Massachusetts. The Upper Ashuelot was founded in 1735 by soldiers who fought in the war against Canada. The Upper Ashuelot became a part of New Hampshire in 1741. During the King George's War, the town was attacked by Indians and burnt to the ground. During the attack colonists fled but would eventually return to rebuild the town. The town was given back to the citizens in 1753, at which point the town was renamed Keene after Sir Benjamin Keene. Keene, New Hampshire was incorporated in 1874. Due to its location on the Ashuelot River, the town grew into a manufacturing center. However, after the Great Depression the manufacturing industry declined. Keene is currently a center for insurance, education and tourism.
