Ever wonder where I come up with some adventures? An idea can come from anywhere, and this week I purchased a booklet, OLDE NUMBER ONE – CHESTERFIELD, New Hampshire – A BICENTENNIAL COMMUNITY – JULY 2, 3, 4, 1976. Why not? As grants were given along the Connecticut River, they were numbered 1 to 4. Chesterfield is Number One, Walpole Number Three. Sadly, but 15 miles away, I have not really explored Chesterfield, only driven through on Route 63. With the centerfold map in this booklet (all guide or travel or history booklets should or must have center-fold maps) I knew I had to explore there. BLUE BELLE agreed, and off we went for 54 miles in 2 1/2 hours today.

the center-fold map that prompted today – click to enlarge.

Founded in 1752 (same year as Walpole) Chesterfield’s population was 3,552 at the 2020 census. It includes the villages of Spofford and West Chesterfield, but appears even more rural than Walpole as I can attest after today’s partial explorations. Of interest, and I always enjoy exploring them, there are 24 cemeteries in the Town. And the Historical Society has a great website that you should visit.

For this visit I drove down River Road along the Connecticut River, and turned west on Route 9 towards Vermont. But just before crossing the river, for the first time I turned south at a small business building with the Riverside Hotel behind it on what I believe is Mountain Road, following the Connecticut River, muddy after the recent flooding. I knew the road eventually ended, and when it did with a bar across the path in the woods, I turned around. And then, coming back, I saw the Route 9 bridges, and the hotel — I had no idea of its size and view on the river.

The plan (and BLUE BELLE approved) was to head off on Gulf Road (DIRT) from the hotel. Cannot wait to get back – yeah dirt with a stream off to the side (careful you do not fall off to the side). Remember to click my images for a larger view.

Did I say 24 cemeteries? I turned onto Herrick Road to get to Welcome Hill Road that comes off Route 9 (Keene to Brattleboro). Herrrick Road had been washed out in many places with the recent rains, but BB2 and I could squeeze by. At the intersection of Welcome Hill Road and Route 9 (barely visible to the rear below) is the oldest cemetery in town – West Burying-Ground, also known as the Moses Smith, which was deeded in 1772 – 251 years ago.

We turned back down Welcome Hill Road to Herrick Road, and then continued on Gulf Road, cutting over to Stage Road (need to re-explore here), and then to Route 9 turning east until coming up to Twin Brook Road to find the Wheeler Burying-Ground which contains 19 known graves, ranging from 1821 – 1921. I believe I have told you I am studying stone walls. The stone wall enclosure here is absolutely amazing.

We continued on Twin Brook Road to Route 63, just north of Chesterfield’s Common with its stone buildings.

Turning left at the Common, I never realized that it was a through road – Old Chesterfield Road, and yes off to another cemetery, the Town Pound and the site of the quarry for the stones for these buildings. Passing the cemetery I found the old Town Pound, but according to the 1976 map the quarry is “not accessible for inspection” and I saw no evidence. Here is the Town Pound – next trip I will dis-mount BLUE BELLE and inspect more closely.

I crossed Route 9 to Spofford Lake, into Spofford itself, and then a back road to Westmoreland, connecting with Route 63 and home. Once home, and looking at many maps, I see I missed some roads. I WILL GO BACK FOR MORE EXPLORATIONS HERE – you should do the same, and are welcome to join me. Let me know if you wish a clear PDF of the 1976 map and points of interest.

Remember, even in your own back yard there is much to discover and learn about – get out and explore, luv, RAY

PS – waking on Monday I realized I should tell you about two Chesterfield features that cover much of its southern land area: PISGAH STATE PARK and its trails, and MADAME SHERRIE’S CASTLE and forest. In June 2015, I visited the castle’s remains and the area, and you can click here to read that report.