Walking Through History: Londonderry's Colonial Past and Historic Landmarks

Londonderry wears its history like a comfortable old jacket—it's everywhere you look, yet so naturally integrated into daily life that you might miss it if you're not paying attention. Founded in 1719 by Scots-Irish immigrants (many from the original Londonderry in Northern Ireland), this town predates American independence by more than half a century.

My first stop was the town's historical society, housed in a beautifully preserved 18th-century building. For a suggested donation of just $5, I got a personalized tour from a passionate local volunteer who painted a vivid picture of colonial life. The society's small but impressive collection of artifacts—from hand-forged farming tools to delicate household items—offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of early settlers.

What makes Londonderry truly special in autumn is its apple heritage. The town was the site of America's first commercial apple orchard, established by settler John Woodman in 1719 with seeds he brought from Ireland. For a truly immersive historical experience, I spent a morning at Mack's Apples, one of New Hampshire's oldest continuously operating apple orchards. Walking through rows of trees heavy with fruit, some varieties dating back generations, I felt a tangible connection to the town's agricultural past.

While Londonderry may not have the Revolutionary War fame of Lexington or Concord, it played its own significant role in America's fight for independence. The town sent 75 men to the Battle of Bunker Hill—an impressive number for a small colonial settlement.

I spent an afternoon following the town's Revolutionary War trail, a self-guided walking tour that connects several key sites. The Morrison House Museum, built in 1760 and preserved in remarkable condition, offers a glimpse into the daily life of a prosperous farming family during the Revolutionary period. For just $3 admission, it's a budget traveler's dream.

Before setting out on the trail, I made sure to download the Londonderry Historical App which provided fascinating context and little-known stories about each location. The app works offline too, which saved my data plan!

The highlight was discovering the small cemetery where several Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Standing before the weathered headstones, some barely legible after centuries of New Hampshire winters, I felt that peculiar compression of time that only historical sites can provide. These weren't just names in a textbook—they were real people who lived, fought, and built the foundations of a nation.

No historical journey through Londonderry would be complete without embracing its apple heritage, especially in fall when the orchards burst with activity. The town's identity is so intertwined with apple cultivation that the apple blossom is its official symbol.

I dedicated a full morning to Moose Hill Orchards, home to Mack's Apples, which has been operated by the same family since 1732—talk about living history! For just $25, I got a half-bushel bag that I could fill with as many apples as would fit, picking directly from trees laden with varieties you'll never find in supermarkets.

The orchard provides picking poles for reaching higher branches, but I brought my own canvas tote for carrying my haul more comfortably throughout the day.

What struck me most was how this agricultural tradition connects modern visitors directly to colonial practices. The methods may have evolved, but the fundamental experience—reaching for ripe fruit on a crisp autumn day—remains unchanged across three centuries. It's living history in the most delicious sense.

After picking, I joined other visitors around the farm stand where I sampled fresh-pressed cider and apple cider donuts that would make any colonial settler proud. The entire experience cost less than $35 and provided not just a morning's entertainment but enough apples to last my entire New England road trip.

One of my favorite budget-friendly ways to experience history is simply walking through historic districts, and Londonderry offers plenty to admire. I spent my second afternoon on a self-guided tour of the town's architectural highlights, each building telling its own story of American development.

The town common, laid out in 1722, remains the heart of historic Londonderry. Surrounding it are excellent examples of colonial, Federal, and Greek Revival architecture that showcase the town's evolution. I found myself constantly reaching for my pocket monocular to examine architectural details on the upper stories of buildings—those small touches that reveal so much about construction techniques and aesthetic preferences of different eras.

Perhaps most impressive is the Presbyterian church, established by the original Scots-Irish settlers. The current building dates to 1837, but it stands on the site where the town's first religious services were held three centuries ago. For architecture enthusiasts, the interior woodwork alone is worth a visit.

To enhance my walking tour, I used the architectural field guide I always pack for historical explorations. Being able to identify specific architectural elements and understand their significance added tremendous depth to what might otherwise have been just a pleasant stroll.

Finding affordable lodging with historical character can be challenging, but Londonderry and its surroundings offer several options that won't break the bank. I chose to stay at the Springhill Farm B&B, housed in a restored 1850s farmhouse just outside town. At $95 per night in shoulder season, it was comparable to chain hotel prices but offered incomparable historical ambiance and included a hearty breakfast featuring local ingredients.

The proprietors, a couple who've spent decades researching local history, were walking encyclopedias of information about the area. Each room features period-appropriate furnishings, though thankfully with modern mattresses and updated bathrooms—I'm all for historical authenticity, but draw the line at 19th-century plumbing!

For even tighter budgets, the nearby town of Derry has several chain hotels with rates around $70-80 per night. Just a 10-minute drive from Londonderry's historic sites, these provide a practical base for exploration.

To make my temporary historic home even more comfortable, I brought along my travel sound machine. Old houses can be creaky, and this small device helped mask unfamiliar sounds for better sleep after long days of exploration.