This is a transcription of the Hinsdale, NH description from A Gazetteer of New Hampshire Containing Descriptions of all the Counties, Towns and Districts in the State by John Hayward, John P. Jewett (publisher), Boston, 1849.
HINSDALE
CHESHIRE CO. This town is well watered with springs and rivulets of the purest water. The Connecticut washes its western border; and the Ashuelot runs through the centre, forming a junction with the Connecticut, a little below the great bend called Cooper’s Point. Kilburn Brook rises in Pisgah Mountain, runs south, and falls into Ashuelot River. Ash-swamp Brook rises in West River Mountain, runs a south-west course, and falls into the Connecticut, near the side of Hinsdale’s Fort. There are several islands in the Connecticut in this town.
On the north line of Hinsdale is West River Mountain, which extends from the banks of the Connecticut east across the whole width of the town. Its greatest elevation is at the west end. In this mountain is found iron ore, and some other minerals and fossils. South of Ashuelot is Stebbins’ Hill, a tract of excellent land, and principally in a high state of cultivation. The intervales here are extensive, and of an excellent quality.
On the point of a hill, not far from Connecticut River, there is to be seen the remains of an Indian fortification, constructed prior to the settlement of the town. There is a deep trench drawn across the hill, to separate it from the plain back, and is continued to the river.
This town encountered all the difficulties of the Indian wars, and struggled with other hardships incident to frontier settlements, begun in the wilderness and remote from cultivated lands.
Hinsdale was originally a part of Northfield, and received its name from Col. Ebenezer Hinsdale, one of the principal inhabitants, who was highly esteemed for his virtue and talents.
Boundaries. West by Vernon and Brattleborough, north by Chesterfield, east by Winchester, and south by Northfield in Mass.
First Minister. Rev. Bunker Gay, ordained in 1760; died in 1815.
Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 8,338 bushels; potatoes, 12,529 bushels; hay, 1,586 tons; wool, 4,012 lbs.; maple sugar, 980 pounds.
Distances. Seventy-five miles southwest by west from Concord, and about fifteen south-west from Keene. A railroad passes through the town.