Cities and Towns in Sullivan County, New Hampshire
Founded in 1827, Sullivan County is one of 10 counties in the state of New Hampshire. Historically, Sullivan County was formed from part of Cheshire County. The city of Newport is the county seat. With FIPS code of 19, Sullivan County has a population of 43,063 and area of 537 square miles (1,391 km²).
List of all cities in Sullivan County, NH alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Acworth, NH | 03601 | 603 |
| Charlestown, NH | 03603 | 603 |
| Claremont, NH | 03743 | 603 |
| Cornish, NH | 03745 | 603 |
| Cornish Flat, NH | 03746 | 603 |
| Croydon, NH | 03773 | 603 |
| East Lempster, NH | 03605 | 603 |
| Georges Mills, NH | 03751 | 603 |
| Goshen, NH | 03752 | 603 |
| Grantham, NH | 03753 | 603 |
| Guild, NH | 03754 | 603 |
| Lempster, NH | 03605 | 603 |
| Meriden, NH | 03770 | 603 |
| Newport, NH | 03773 | 603 |
| Plainfield, NH | 03781 | 603 |
| So Acworth, NH | 03607 | 603 |
| South Acworth, NH | 03607 | 603 |
| Springfield, NH | 03284 | 603 |
| Sunapee, NH | 03782 | 603 |
| Unity, NH | 03603 | 603 |
| 03743 | 603 | |
| 03773 | 603 | |
| Washington, NH | 03280 | 603 |
| West Springfield, NH | 03284 | 603 |
Major Cities and Towns in Sullivan County, New Hampshire
Claremont
Location and History
Claremont is the largest city in Sullivan County, located in the western part of New Hampshire along the Connecticut River. Founded in 1764, Claremont was originally part of the town of Cornish and was settled by European Americans during the colonial era. The city’s growth accelerated in the 19th century due to the construction of the railroad, which linked Claremont to other parts of New England. The arrival of the railroad allowed Claremont to become a center for manufacturing, particularly for textiles, paper products, and ironworks. The city’s industrial base, including the development of the Claremont Manufacturing Company, spurred significant growth and attracted a diverse population of workers. Over time, however, industrialization declined, and Claremont transitioned into a service-oriented economy. Today, Claremont is a small city with a focus on retail, healthcare, and education, serving as the commercial and cultural hub of Sullivan County.
Major Schools
Claremont is served by the Claremont School District, which includes Claremont Middle School, Stevens High School, and several elementary schools. The district offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs for students from kindergarten through grade 12. For higher education, residents often travel to nearby cities like Hanover or Lebanon to attend institutions such as Dartmouth College or River Valley Community College.
Major Landmarks
Claremont features several notable landmarks, many of which reflect the town’s industrial past. The Claremont Opera House, built in 1897, is a historic venue that hosts a wide range of performances and community events. The Arrowhead Recreation Area offers opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The Museum of Claremont History provides exhibits about the town’s history, from its early settlement to its role in the industrial revolution. Additionally, The Connecticut River provides scenic views and recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing. Claremont’s Broad Street Park is another popular local landmark, serving as a center for outdoor recreation with playgrounds, sports fields, and walking paths.
City Stats:
- Area: 50.9 square miles
- Population: 13,000 (estimated, 2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 03743
- Latitude: 43.3963° N
- Longitude: 72.3149° W
Newport
Location and History
Newport, the county seat of Sullivan County, is located in the central part of the county, nestled along the Sugar River. Founded in 1761, Newport was originally part of the town of Croydon. The town’s economy was initially centered on farming, lumbering, and gristmills, which supported the growth of a small, agrarian community. Newport’s strategic location along the Sugar River made it an important transport and trade center in the 19th century. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s spurred further development, especially in industries like textiles and manufacturing. Over time, however, Newport’s economy shifted toward service industries and tourism. Today, the town is known for its historic downtown, quaint New England charm, and outdoor recreational opportunities, attracting both visitors and residents alike.
Major Schools
Newport is served by the Newport School District, which includes Newport Middle High School, Richmond Middle School, and several elementary schools. The town also hosts the Newport Montessori School for younger children. For higher education, residents often travel to nearby towns such as Lebanon or Concord to access universities and community colleges, including Colby-Sawyer College in New London and River Valley Community College in Claremont.
Major Landmarks
Newport’s historic downtown is a popular destination for visitors, with its well-preserved buildings and charming New England architecture. The Newport Opera House, built in the 19th century, is another local landmark that hosts a variety of cultural performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts. The town is also home to the Newport Historical Society, which operates a museum showcasing the area’s rich history from the colonial era to the present day. For outdoor recreation, Lake Sunapee and the surrounding mountains offer opportunities for boating, hiking, and skiing. The Sugar River provides canoeing and fishing opportunities, and nearby Mt. Sunapee State Park offers skiing in the winter and hiking trails in the summer. Newport’s Town Common is another local landmark, hosting community events such as farmers’ markets and outdoor concerts.
City Stats:
- Area: 29.6 square miles
- Population: 6,000 (estimated, 2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 03773
- Latitude: 43.3792° N
- Longitude: 72.1575° W
Sunapee
Location and History
Sunapee is a small town located in the southeastern part of Sullivan County, near the shores of Lake Sunapee, one of the most popular recreational lakes in New Hampshire. The town was originally settled in the late 18th century, and like many New England towns, its early economy was based on agriculture and forestry. By the 19th century, the town became known as a summer resort destination due to its picturesque setting on Lake Sunapee and the construction of grand summer cottages. The establishment of the Mount Sunapee Resort in the mid-20th century transformed Sunapee into a year-round tourist destination, attracting skiers in the winter and outdoor enthusiasts in the warmer months. Today, the town continues to rely heavily on tourism, with residents and visitors enjoying recreational activities such as boating, hiking, skiing, and fishing.
Major Schools
Sunapee is part of the Sunapee School District, which includes Sunapee Middle High School and Sunapee Central Elementary School. The district offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. The town also has access to nearby institutions of higher education, including Colby-Sawyer College in New London and Dartmouth College in Hanover.
Major Landmarks
Sunapee’s most famous landmark is Lake Sunapee, which is a year-round destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and ice fishing. The town is also home to Mount Sunapee Resort, a major skiing and snowboarding destination in the winter, offering scenic views and outdoor recreation throughout the year. The Sunapee State Beach provides a family-friendly area for swimming and picnicking, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. For history enthusiasts, the Sunapee Historical Society operates a museum and offers walking tours that highlight the town’s history, from its early settlement to its transformation into a tourist haven. The Sunapee Harbor area is another popular destination, with shops, restaurants, and scenic views of the lake.
City Stats:
- Area: 36.3 square miles
- Population: 3,300 (estimated, 2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 03782
- Latitude: 43.3895° N
- Longitude: 72.0981° W
Charlestown
Location and History
Charlestown is a small town located in the southern part of Sullivan County, near the border with Vermont, along the Connecticut River. The town was first settled in 1740, and it was officially incorporated in 1753. It was one of the earliest towns to be settled in New Hampshire’s upper valley, with its location along the Connecticut River making it an important trading post and center for agriculture. The town played an important role during the American Revolutionary War, with several local residents serving in the Continental Army. In the 19th century, Charlestown was known for its timber industry, as the abundance of forests in the area allowed for the development of sawmills and related businesses. Today, Charlestown remains a small, tight-knit community, known for its historical landmarks and proximity to outdoor recreational areas.
Major Schools
Charlestown is served by the Fall Mountain Regional School District, which includes Charlestown Primary School, Charlestown Middle School, and Fall Mountain Regional High School. The district offers a variety of programs for students, including sports, arts, and advanced coursework. For higher education, students often travel to nearby towns such as Claremont or Lebanon, where they can attend colleges like River Valley Community College or Colby-Sawyer College.
Major Landmarks
Charlestown is home to several notable landmarks, many of which highlight its historical significance. The Charlestown Village Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes several preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, built in the early 19th century, is another important historical landmark. The Connecticut River is a central feature of the town, with opportunities for boating, fishing, and scenic walks along the riverbanks. Pillsbury State Park, located to the north of the town, offers outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and swimming, attracting visitors to the natural beauty of the area.
City Stats:
- Area: 31.6 square miles
- Population: 5,100 (estimated, 2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 03603
- Latitude: 43.2434° N
- Longitude: 72.4117° W