Rumney, New Hampshire
Encyclopedia
Rumney is a town in Grafton County
, New Hampshire
, United States
. The population was 1,480 at the 2010 census. The town is located at the southern edge of the White Mountain National Forest
.
, the town was originally granted in 1761 by Governor Benning Wentworth
to settlers from Colchester
and East Haddam
, Connecticut
. It was first settled in 1765. Because some grantees failed to comply with the charter, Rumney was regranted to another group of settlers in 1767.
Farmer
s found the town's soil fertile. By 1859, when the population was 1,109, other industries included fifteen sawmill
s, a large tannery
, and a ladder
factory. The Boston, Concord and Montreal Railroad commenced service to West Rumney in 1850-1851.
, the town has a total area of 42.6 square miles (110.3 km²), of which 41.7 square miles (108 km²) is land and 0.9 square miles (2.3 km²) is water, comprising 2.15% of the town. The highest point in Rumney is 2960 feet (902.2 m) above sea level
on the southern slope of Carr Mountain. The Baker River
flows from west to east through the center of the town, roughly paralleled by New Hampshire Route 25
.
The Town of Rumney contains several smaller villages. Rumney Village, the town's central settlement, lies just north of the Baker River. Directly to the south, across the Baker River and adjacent to Route 25, is the village of Rumney Depot. The village of Stinson Lake
, comprising development around the lake and at the foot of adjacent Stinson Mountain, is in the northern corner of the town, and West Rumney is located along Route 25 near the town's western border.
Rumney is home to the "Polar Caves" which are well known for their geological views and glowing rock formations. It is located along Route 25 near the town's eastern border.
of 2000, there were 1,480 people, 569 households, and 393 families residing in the town. The population density
was 35.3 people per square mile (13.6/km²). There were 879 housing units at an average density of 21.0 per square mile (8.1/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 98.04% White, 0.41% African American, 0.54% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races
, and 0.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.61% of the population.
There were 569 households out of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.5% were married couples
living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 23.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the town the population was spread out with 25.4% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 102.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.2 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $38,125, and the median income for a family was $42,895. Males had a median income of $26,594 versus $21,705 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $17,169. About 4.9% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.0% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.
destination, known as Rumney Rocks, is renowned for its sport climbing
routes.
The majority of the climbing is found on the numerous small cliff faces on the south face of Rattlesnake Mountain, much of which lies within the White Mountain National Forest
. These cliffs are mostly made of schist, with some being granite, and vary from long smooth slabs to wildly overhung roofs and aretes. They range in height, with most falling between 40 feet (12.2 m) and 90 feet (27.4 m), but a few reach over 300 feet (91.4 m).
Most climbs are well bolted, with a few requiring additional protection. The climbs range
from 5.0 to 5.15a, with the majority of routes falling between 5.10 and 5.12.
Internationally recognized climber Dave Graham and national figures Tim Kemple, Luke Parady and Joe Kinder are among the many sponsored pro climbers to have cut their teeth at Rumney, and share responsibility for developing many of the hard routes. Other local figures include guidebook author Ward Smith and Tim Kemple, Sr.
Grafton County, New Hampshire
Grafton County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Hampshire. As of the 2010 census, the population was 89,118. Its county seat is North Haverhill, which is a village within the town of Haverhill. Until 1972, the county courthouse and other offices were located in downtown Woodsville, a...
, New Hampshire
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 1,480 at the 2010 census. The town is located at the southern edge of the White Mountain National Forest
White Mountain National Forest
The White Mountain National Forest is a federally-managed forest contained within the White Mountains in the northeastern United States. It was established in 1918 as a result of the Weeks Act of 1911; federal acquisition of land had already begun in 1914. It has a total area of...
.
History
Taking its name from Robert Marsham, 2nd Baron RomneyEarl of Romney
Earl of Romney is a title that has been created twice. It was first created in the Peerage of England in 1694 in favour of the soldier and politician Henry Sydney. He had been made Baron Milton and Viscount Sidney at the same time in 1689. Sydney was the younger son of Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of...
, the town was originally granted in 1761 by Governor Benning Wentworth
Benning Wentworth
Benning Wentworth was the colonial governor of New Hampshire from 1741 to 1766.-Biography:The eldest child of the John Wentworth who had been Lieutenant Governor, he was born and died in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Wentworth graduated from Harvard College in 1715...
to settlers from Colchester
Colchester, Connecticut
Colchester is a town in New London County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 14,551 at the 2000 census. In 2005 it was ranked 57th on the "100 Best Places to Live" in all of the United States, conducted by CNN...
and East Haddam
East Haddam, Connecticut
East Haddam is a town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 8,333 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water....
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
. It was first settled in 1765. Because some grantees failed to comply with the charter, Rumney was regranted to another group of settlers in 1767.
Farmer
Farmer
A farmer is a person engaged in agriculture, who raises living organisms for food or raw materials, generally including livestock husbandry and growing crops, such as produce and grain...
s found the town's soil fertile. By 1859, when the population was 1,109, other industries included fifteen sawmill
Sawmill
A sawmill is a facility where logs are cut into boards.-Sawmill process:A sawmill's basic operation is much like those of hundreds of years ago; a log enters on one end and dimensional lumber exits on the other end....
s, a large tannery
Tanning
Tanning is the making of leather from the skins of animals which does not easily decompose. Traditionally, tanning used tannin, an acidic chemical compound from which the tanning process draws its name . Coloring may occur during tanning...
, and a ladder
Ladder
A ladder is a vertical or inclined set of rungs or steps. There are two types: rigid ladders that can be leaned against a vertical surface such as a wall, and rope ladders that are hung from the top. The vertical members of a rigid ladder are called stringers or stiles . Rigid ladders are usually...
factory. The Boston, Concord and Montreal Railroad commenced service to West Rumney in 1850-1851.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 42.6 square miles (110.3 km²), of which 41.7 square miles (108 km²) is land and 0.9 square miles (2.3 km²) is water, comprising 2.15% of the town. The highest point in Rumney is 2960 feet (902.2 m) above sea level
Sea level
Mean sea level is a measure of the average height of the ocean's surface ; used as a standard in reckoning land elevation...
on the southern slope of Carr Mountain. The Baker River
Baker River (New Hampshire)
The Baker River, or Asquamchumauke, is a river in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, the United States. It rises on the south side of Mount Moosilauke and runs south and east to empty into the Pemigewasset River in Plymouth. The river traverses the towns of Warren, Wentworth, and...
flows from west to east through the center of the town, roughly paralleled by New Hampshire Route 25
New Hampshire Route 25
New Hampshire Route 25 is a long east–west state highway in New Hampshire. It runs completely across the state from Vermont to Maine.The western terminus of Route 25 is at the Vermont state line on the Connecticut River in Piermont, where the road continues west as Vermont Route 25...
.
The Town of Rumney contains several smaller villages. Rumney Village, the town's central settlement, lies just north of the Baker River. Directly to the south, across the Baker River and adjacent to Route 25, is the village of Rumney Depot. The village of Stinson Lake
Stinson Lake
Stinson Lake is a water body located in Grafton County in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, in the town of Rumney, USA. Water from Stinson Lake flows via Stinson Brook, the Baker River, and the Pemigewasset River to the Merrimack River....
, comprising development around the lake and at the foot of adjacent Stinson Mountain, is in the northern corner of the town, and West Rumney is located along Route 25 near the town's western border.
Rumney is home to the "Polar Caves" which are well known for their geological views and glowing rock formations. It is located along Route 25 near the town's eastern border.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 1,480 people, 569 households, and 393 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 35.3 people per square mile (13.6/km²). There were 879 housing units at an average density of 21.0 per square mile (8.1/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 98.04% White, 0.41% African American, 0.54% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.61% of the population.
There were 569 households out of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.5% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 23.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the town the population was spread out with 25.4% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 102.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.2 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $38,125, and the median income for a family was $42,895. Males had a median income of $26,594 versus $21,705 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $17,169. About 4.9% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.0% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.
Rock climbing
A nearby rock climbingRock climbing
Rock climbing also lightly called 'The Gravity Game', is a sport in which participants climb up, down or across natural rock formations or artificial rock walls. The goal is to reach the summit of a formation or the endpoint of a pre-defined route without falling...
destination, known as Rumney Rocks, is renowned for its sport climbing
Sport climbing
Sport climbing is a form of rock climbing that relies on permanent anchors fixed to the rock, and possibly bolts, for protection,...
routes.
The majority of the climbing is found on the numerous small cliff faces on the south face of Rattlesnake Mountain, much of which lies within the White Mountain National Forest
White Mountain National Forest
The White Mountain National Forest is a federally-managed forest contained within the White Mountains in the northeastern United States. It was established in 1918 as a result of the Weeks Act of 1911; federal acquisition of land had already begun in 1914. It has a total area of...
. These cliffs are mostly made of schist, with some being granite, and vary from long smooth slabs to wildly overhung roofs and aretes. They range in height, with most falling between 40 feet (12.2 m) and 90 feet (27.4 m), but a few reach over 300 feet (91.4 m).
Most climbs are well bolted, with a few requiring additional protection. The climbs range
Yosemite Decimal System
The Yosemite Decimal System is a three-part system used for rating the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs. It is primarily used by mountaineers in the United States and Canada. The Class 5 portion of the Class scale is primarily a rock climbing classification system. Originally the system was...
from 5.0 to 5.15a, with the majority of routes falling between 5.10 and 5.12.
Internationally recognized climber Dave Graham and national figures Tim Kemple, Luke Parady and Joe Kinder are among the many sponsored pro climbers to have cut their teeth at Rumney, and share responsibility for developing many of the hard routes. Other local figures include guidebook author Ward Smith and Tim Kemple, Sr.
Notable residents
- Robert BurnsRobert Burns (representative)Robert Burns was a U.S. Representative from New Hampshire.Born in Hudson, New Hampshire, Burns moved with his parents in childhood to Rumney in Grafton County. He studied medicine in Warren, New Hampshire, taught school, then attended Dartmouth Medical School in 1815. He returned to Warren and...
, congressman - Nathan CliffordNathan CliffordNathan Clifford was an American statesman, diplomat and jurist.Clifford was born of old Yankee stock in Rumney, New Hampshire, to farmers, the only son of seven children He attended the public schools of that town, then the Haverhill Academy in New...
, statesman, diplomat and jurist - Mary Baker EddyMary Baker EddyMary Baker Eddy was the founder of Christian Science , a Protestant American system of religious thought and practice religion adopted by the Church of Christ, Scientist, and others...
, religious leader - Jonathan MylesJonathan MylesJonathan Myles is an American luger who competed from 1999 to 2006. He finished 18th in the men's singles event at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin....
, luger
External links
- Town website
- Byron G. Merrill Library
- Rumney Historical Society
- Mary Baker Eddy House
- Polar Caves Park
- Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club
- Rockclimbing in Rumney -- Dartmouth Outing Club
- New England Fellowship of Evangelicals (Rumney Bible Conference)
- New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau Profile