From The Gazetteer of the State of New Hampshire (in three parts), 
compiled from the best authorities, by Eliphalet Merrill and the Late 
Phinehas Merrill, Esq.,
Printed by C. Norris & Co. , Exeter, NH, ©1817, pg 161-162

Part Two of Gazetteer:

MERRIMACK RIVER - is formed by two branches.  The most northern of which, 
(Pemigewasset river) has its source among the White mountains.  The other branch is a 
short stream which flows from Winnipiseogee lake.  These form a junction at the S.W. 
extremity of Sanbornton, on the line of Hillsborough county, and compose the Merrimack, 
the general course of which is S. by E. about 52 miles on a direct line (but about 80 miles 
as the river runs,) to the southern boundary of the state.  From Sanbornton corner it 
passes between Northfield, New Salisbury, Canterbury, and Boscawen. These towns are 
connected by bridges.  The Merrimack receives the Contoocook river on the northern line 
of concord.  From this junction the merrimcak passes in a serpentine course through the 
centre of Concord, forming a large tract of excellent intervale.  Two bridges are thrown 
over the river, connecting the eastern and western parts of Concord.  The Merrimack, 
after leaving this town passes between Pembroke and Bow.  In Bow there is a canal on the 
western side of the river round Garvin’s falls, and just above these falls Turkey river 
empties itself, as does Suncook river at the lower extremity of Pembroke.  About 400 rods 
below the mouth of the Suncook are the Isle of Hooksett falls and bridge, over which 
passes the Londonderry turnpike leading to concord.  Amuskeag falls are about 8 miles 
below; these consist of three large pitches within the distance of half a mile making a fall 
of 80 feet.  There is a canal round these falls on the eastern side of the river and at this 
place.  M’Gregore’s bridge connects Manchester and Goffstown.  At the lower part of 
Goffstown Cohass brook empties itself.  At the town of Merrimack, about 5 miles father 
down, Sowhegan river empties itself, as does the Nashua river 7 miles lower on the 
western side, flowing from the town of Dunstable.  At this town it takes an easterly 
direction, passing into Tyngsborough, Chelmsford, etc. in Massachussetts, and at 
Newburyport it falls into the sea.




Submitted by T.C. Parziale 5/30/00
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