New Castle is the smallest and easternmost town in New Hampshire, and the only one that is situated entirely on islands. New Castle is in Rockingham County, and is situated on an archipelago, comprised of a main island and several smaller islands within the Atlantic Ocean and the Piscataqua River. Settled in 1623, Great Island is the largest of its several islands. An earthwork defense was built on Fort Point, eventually becoming Fort William and Mary, which was rebuilt as Fort Constitution in 1808. New Castle was chartered in 1678 as a parish of Portsmouth, incorporating as a town in 1693. Fort William and Mary was the site of one of the first acts of the Revolutionary War, when colonists raided the fort on December 14, 1774, forcing British Captain John Cochran to surrender the fort. Gunpowder taken by colonists from the fort was used in the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill. New Castle includes the Fort Constitution Historic Site, the Fort Stark Historic Site, and the New Castle Common, as well as a U.S. Coast Guard station.
Recommended Resources
Fort Constitution Historic Site
One of seven forts protecting Portsmouth Harbor, Fort Constitution is located on a peninsula on the northeast corner of New Castle Island, overlooking the Piscataqua River and the Atlantic Ocean. Its history and a profile of the facilities are featured, including its location and activities.
http://www.nhstateparks.com/fortconstitution.html
Situated on a peninsula known as Jerry’s Point, on the southeastern corner of New Castle Island, Fort Stark overlooks the Piscataqua River, Little Harbor, and the Atlantic Ocean, and was one of seven forts protecting Portsmouth Harbor. Its location, available activities, and operation schedule are posted.
http://www.nhstateparks.com/fortstark.html
Hosted by the New Castle Recreation Committee, the annual Great Island Road Race raises funds for community improvements. General information and schedules for the race are posted, along with results, registration data, contacts, and photographs from previous events.
http://www.greatisland5k.org/
Established in 2008, the market and cafe in New Castle, New Hampshire offers take-out and catering services. Its location, hours of operation, menu, and contacts are posted, and orders may be made through the site.
http://www.henrysmarketcafe.com/
New Castle Congregational Church
Affiliated with the United Church of Christ, the congregation meets at its facilities on Main Street, New Castle, New Hampshire. A church covenant, leadership directory, and service schedule are posted to the site.
http://www.newcastlecongregationalchurchnh.org/
The online news source offers news and event coverage within the islands of New Castle, New Hampshire, along with a guide to local municipal facilities, schools, churches, organizations, and events.
http://www.new-castle-post.com/
Founded in 1623, chartered in 1679, and incorporated in 1693, the town is comprised entirely of islands. Its official municipal site features an overview of the Great Island Common, as well as its library, school, and other facilities. Contacts within its administrative and departmental offices, boards and committees are presented, along with a schedule of upcoming meetings.
http://www.newcastlenh.org/
Founded in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1898, the organization moved to its current location in New Castle in 1938. Featured is a profile of the club, membership policies and benefits, a schedule of events, online shopping area, and a private area of the site for members of the club.
http://portsmouthyc.org/
Featuring 161 guest rooms and suites, as well as conference and meeting accommodations, an on-site dining facility, spa, and other amenities, the hotel is associated with the Marriott chain. Its rates and packages are featured, and reservations may be made through the site.
http://www.wentworth.com/
