Ellsworth is located just off I-93, just west of Thornton. In 1800, the town had 47 residents. In 2010, it was
estimated to have 83 inhabitants, making it the 2nd smallest NH community by population.
According to research conducted by Janice Brown,
www.nh.searchroots.com, Ellsworth was known to Indians as
Kunnawah, which means "bear."
This area was a favorite hunting region for the Abenaki tribe in the days
before European settlers.
Originally named Trecothick, after a Bostonian who become Lord Mayor of London, it was renamed Ellsworth,
after Oliver Ellsworth, a contributor to The United States Constitution and the chief negotiator of a peace
treaty with France resulting in the Louisiana Purchase. Smart move -- I think you will agree that "Ellsworth"
rolls off the tongue much, much better than "Trecothick."
Ellsworth Pond is beautiful, with no obvious buildings thereon. Motors aren't permitted, but it's small enough to
enjoy by canoe. There are some nice old house foundations to see, and some other history. There's the
interdenominational
St. John of the Mountains church with seasonal Sunday afternoon services, and the
Ellsworth
Town Hall & School House built in 1814, some homes and LOTS of nature. With 4/5ths of the town located within the
White Mountain National Forest, the area is teeming with wildlife. In fact, we've even known some of the
locals to keep a shotgun handy, to deal with crows!
The town of Ellsworth is a small one, however dining and lodging are available in nearby
Thornton and
Campton.
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