Andover
Andover is a small town in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, with a population of 2,406 (2020 census). It includes the villages of East Andover, West Andover, Cilleyville, and Potter Place. The town is home to Ragged Mountain State Forest and Proctor Academy, a respected private preparatory school that plays a central role in the local economy.
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First settled in 1761, Andover was originally called Emerisstown and later known as New Breton, a grant largely given to soldiers who fought in the 1745 capture of Cape Breton. It was incorporated as Andover in 1779. Education has long been part of the town’s identity, with academies established in the 1800s, leading to today’s Proctor Academy.
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Andover is known for its antique shops, Greek Revival architecture, two covered bridges, and the historic Potter Place Railroad Station, now a museum. The town covers 41 square miles and lies entirely within the Merrimack River watershed. Ragged Mountain and Mount Kearsarge define its landscape, offering scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities.
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