This is a transcription of the Walpole, 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.
WALPOLE
CHESHIRE CO. The face of this town is beautifully diversified by hills and vales. The soil is similar to that of other towns on Connecticut River. The intervales afford excellent tillage; the uplands are inferior to none in the State. Cold River passes through the north part, and forms a junction with the Connecticut. There is a lofty hill, called Fall Mountain, a part of the range of Mount Toby; the highest parts of which are about 750 feet above the level of the river. The village of Walpole is situated at the foot of the hill, on a plain; the margin of the intervales. The principle street runs north and south, and is bordered on both sides with dwelling houses, stores, and shops.
Drewsville, in this town, is a pleasant village, romatically situated near the falls; it is a place of some trade, and considerable manufacture.
Bellows’ Falls, on Connecticut River, separates it from Rockingham, Vt. At the bridge, which crosses the river at this place, built in 1785, and 365 feet in length, the traveler is presented with a most interesting and sublime view. The river here is compressed into a narrow strait, between steep rocks, and, for nearly a quarter of a mile, is hurried on with great rapidity and loud roaring. In no place is the fall perpendicular, to any considerable extent; but, in the distance of half a mile, the waters descend forty-two feet. A canal, with nine locks, passes round these falls, on the west side.
Col. Benjamin Bellows was one of the first settlers of this town, in 1749. He was a man of great enterprise and bravery. His descendants are numerous, and highly respectable.
Bellows’ Falls Village is in Rockingham, Vt., opposite to Drewsville.
Boundaries. North by Charlestown and Langdon, east by Alstead and Surry, and south by Westmoreland and Westminster, Vt.
First Settler. Col. Benjamin Bellows, settled in 1749.
First Ministers. Rev. Jonathan Leavitt, settled in 1761; dismissed in 1763. Rev. Thomas Fessenden, settled in 1767; died in 1813.
Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 18,512 bushels; potatoes, 48,279 bushels; hay, 5,073 tons; wool, 38,150 lbs.; maple sugar, 4,715 pounds.
Distances. Sixty miles south-west by west from Concord, and thirteen north-west from Keene. A railroad passes through this town.