The strength of Manchester, NH is woven with the fabric of its people and heritage. The early settlers stubbornly held on to the Jeffersonian concept of a country built on agriculture, but Thomas Jefferson's great-grandson would one day become an integral part of the Industrial Revolution occurring at Amoskeag Manufacturing Company.

The Amoskeag Manufacturing Company's primary product was textiles, but they produced other products as well, including steam fire engines, steam locomotives, guns and sewing machines. Immigrants from Canada and Europe flocked to Manchester to find work in the famous mills, and highly skilled technicians were recruited. By the early 1900s, the mills were the largest producer of fine cloth in the world, and Manchester appeared indestructible.

During the 1920s, however, the mills suffered a series of setbacks, and the era of Amoskeag dominance faded. By the mid-30's the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company filed bankruptcy, and coupled with the Flood of 1936, the closure, ended the era. Click here to go to the Manchester Historic Association (MHA) for more info on Manchester's historic mills.

Today Manchester has experienced a revitalization the mills once again to provide for a dynamic revitalization.

Public Service of New Hampshire has recently reinvested in Manchester's millyard by renovating the old steam plant and relocating their corporate headquarters to the newly-named Energy Park, located near the hydro- electric dam.

DEKA, the research company that produced the innovative Segway, a two-wheeled individual transportation vehicle, is among the many companies that have made the mill buildings their home.

The University of New Hampshire has its Manchester campus in the millyard, in addition to several high tech companies, web site companies, museums, insurance and manufacturing.

Manchester continues to thrive as a cultural melting pot. Immigrants can find manufacturing jobs in the mills, while learning English and developing other skills. For a complete listing of the businesses and restaurants located downtown and in the millyard please visit the Business Directory.

For an area profile about Manchester visit the City of Manchester's web site by clicking here.

Source: Manchester Fingertip Facts, Wayne Johnson, History Teacher at Manchester High School West & Manchester Historic Association