Imagine the Little River a ribbon of water winding its way through New Hampshire and Massachusetts. It’s a journey spanning 12.9 miles a quiet witness to centuries of history.
Little River isn’t just any river. Native American tribes knew it as Mineola meaning “little river”. Its waters have cradled settlements since the late 1600s and 1700s. Fishermen and farmers sought its bounty. They built small cabins near its wide tidal inlet.
The river sheltered those in need. Shipwreck survivors found refuge in its small harbor. Pirates too sought its quiet waters. They demanded supplies from the few settlers. Captain Kidd Blackbeard and Anne Bonney are part of Little River’s lore. Rumor has it that pirate treasure still lies buried somewhere nearby.
Reverend George Whitefield a renowned preacher visited the area in 1740. President George Washington dined here in 1791 during his Southern tour. This confirms the existence of a significant settlement long before then. By 1828 Little River was one of only two villages in the county. Travel between settlements was challenging because of marshes and swamps.
A fine old house the Randall-Vereen House once stood near the harbor. Built after the War of 1812 it was one of three houses built by Captain Thomas Randall from New England. For a while Little River was called “Yankee Town” because of the New England settlers.
The village thrived in the 1850s. It was a prosperous port shipping lumber and naval stores north. It boasted a sawmill waterhouse stores a school and a bank. Churches were built and homes were constructed. The Civil War devastated this progress. A saltworks supplying the Confederate Army was burned by Union forces. The blockade halted shipping and fishing.
By the late 1800s seagoing steamers connected Georgetown Little River and Wilmington. Sewing machines were a novelty. Women would gather on porches holding “sewing bees”. They shared their new Singer sewing machines. Passengers on the steamers waved to them.
Road building in the 1920s reduced sea traffic. Today Little River thrives as a deep-sea fishing destination. Charter and commercial fishing boats depart daily. The sunrise over the calm inlet waters is a sight to behold.
Little River remains unincorporated. It has grown considerably. New homes golf courses and a new post office are testaments to its evolution. Seafood remains a draw. The story of Little River is one of resilience transformation and enduring appeal. It’s a story that continues to unfold.