Could you imagine Hampton Beach as a barrier island? Back when the first settlers arrived in 1638, the area between Great Boar’s Head and Hampton River was just empty sand. Dunes protected the upland.
Hampton Beach has a fascinating history. It stretches back centuries. Fishermen used the coast. In 1656, Sargent’s Island became a place for them to salt and dry their fish. Later, North Beach had a thriving fishing industry. The rough pathway to Boar’s Head was even called “The Causeway” or “The Logs”.
The steamboat “Tom Thumb” made round trips from Portsmouth in 1831. This showed early recreational attraction. A stagecoach also made regular trips from Portsmouth in 1857.
The first dwelling at Hampton Beach was the Leavitt Homestead. It was built in 1800 at North Beach. Great Boar’s Head got its first house in 1806. It served as a small inn. In 1819-20, the first resort hotel opened at Rocky Bend. “The Eagle House”, now Century House, appeared in 1830. It is the oldest house still standing on Boar’s Head. Summer cottages began popping up in the 1860s. Building boomed in the late 1800s.
1897 marked a turning point for Hampton Beach. The Exeter, Hampton & Amesbury Street Railway made its first run to the beach on July 4th. The street railway expanded, connecting cities and towns. In 1898, the Casino followed. The “Big Band Era” in the late 1920s drew huge crowds to the Casino Ballroom.
The landmark bandstand stood opposite the Casino for 58 years. It provided open-air entertainment. The Sea Shell now stands in its place. The Hampton River Bridge opened in 1902. It was also known as the “Mile-long Bridge” and the “Longest Wooden Bridge in the World.”
Sand dunes gave way to beach development. Breakwaters became a financial burden for the town. A severe storm in 1933 made it clear that the problems were too big for the town. The town deeded the beachfront to the State for protection. In 1957, the town built a bridge across Tide Mill Creek. A road between the town and the beach opened in 1963. It is now the easterly end of Route 101.
Hampton Beach has always drawn crowds. It was a popular destination during World War II. People now come from all over the United States and Canada.
The Hampton Beach Village District was established in 1907. It led the town to the future. Electricity and waterworks were installed first at Hampton Beach. The town’s first Fire Department was created. The 1923 fire station still stands on Ashworth Avenue.
The Hampton Beach Playground was established in the 1920s. Free nightly concerts at the Seashell Stage and fantastic fireworks are a long-standing tradition. A Miss Hampton Beach has been crowned every year since 1946. The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival is a major event.
Since 2001, the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce has sponsored a sand sculpture competition. This brings sculptors from across America to Hampton Beach. The 4-day contest attracts thousands.
Hampton Beach main beach offers year-round recreation. The Seashell complex includes a band shell amphitheater and public information services. Metered parking is available along Ocean Boulevard. Hampton Beach State Park offers parking, restrooms, and a snack bar. The beach sand is soft and white. Tide pools are great for kids.
Remember the name Hampton Beach. This place has evolved from a simple barrier island to a vibrant destination. From fishermen salting their catches to big bands rocking the Casino Ballroom. Hampton Beach continues to be a place of recreation.