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The fourth New-Hampshire Turnpike passes through the north western part of Andover and intersects with the Grafton turnpike near the western line. In 1763, there was but one path cut through the town near the centre, winding round the pond, and leading back to the Pemigewasset. The lines between Salisbury[1] and Andover were perambulated and marked this year by the selection of both towns; and soon after the boundaries between Andover and New-Chester were established in like manner. The roads through this town are now good, and the inhabitants are constantly improving them.
Travellers passing over the stage-road through Andover, have but an imperfect view of its soil. They can indeed see little but the bleak and confused pile of the Ragged Mountains on the north, and the darkly wooded sides of the Kearsarge on the west, There are several convenient dwellings, and good farms situated on the turnpike; also three public houses and the post office. And a meeting-house is soon to be erected in that part of the town. But the principal settlements, and the oldest and best cultivated farms are situated in the centre of the town. The first meeting-house, built in conformity with the conditions of the grant, was torn down in 1795—and the present one erected on the 3d of May, 1796, and dedicated to the service and honor of the Christian religion Jan 5th, 1797. This house is a spacious and well finished building, but is now decaying, having never been painted. Its cost was about $2200. There are now in the town of Andover about 245 dwelling-houses; 4 stores; 4 taverns; 5 saw-mills; 3 grist-mills, with double runs of stones in each; 2 carding machines; 2 clothing
- ↑ Originally called Stevens-Town, from the name of one of the grantees.
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