Old Monson Village, Hollis/Milford

Old Monson Village, Hollis/Milford

Milford, New Hampshire 03055

Official Website
Old Monson Village map

About this Location

Monson Center is considered by leading archaeologists to be one of the most significant archeological sites in New England. Many of the original foundations of the homes that were built in this late 1700s village are preserved.

Visiting Monson Center, a historic gem, is a breath of fresh air, and a step back in time. This small portion of history is off the beaten path, but once you find it, you will never forget it.

After parking in the small lot, you walk a few hundred yards down a forest-lined dirt road. Each step carries you away from the busyness of everyday life. There is no electricity or running water, but there is energy in the place. A carved sign announces Monson Center, and after another few steps, the forest opens up. There are fields on either side as well as stone walls, wildflowers, and birdhouses. Up ahead is the only habitable house on the property.

In the center of the field to your left is a large rock. I like to imagine the stories this boulder could tell, if it could, of the battles, struggles, and celebrations the town had during its short existence. Past that and all around the wall is part of what used to be Monson.

Monson was an early colonial settlement that existed from 1737-1770 and covered over 17,000 acres. It was part of Massachusetts at its inception. The center of town, main roads, and several foundation holes remain.

You can walk the rutted roads the settlers traveled, and visit a few of the still-present cellar holes on the sites of some of the early settlers which include the Gould, Wallingford, W. Nevins, T. Nevins, Bayley, and Brown family homesteads. The only public structure the village had was the pound for runaway cattle. Monson never had a schoolhouse, meeting hall, or church.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Official Website

Last updated October 22, 2023