Claremont, NH was named in honor of Thomas Pelham Holles, Earl of Clare and Duke of 
Newcastle, builder of Claremont Castle, and a cousin to Governor Benning Wentworth.
The original grant was a six-mile square area bordering the Connecticut River. Claremont was first settled by Moses Spafford and David Lynde, two Connecticut grantees.
The oldest areas are west of downtown (West Claremont) , where early development was tied to the water power power of the Sugar River. Claremont is best known for its industrial heritage. The Sugar River was the location of numeroustextile, paper and machinery mills. The Sugar River flows through Claremont from Lake Sunapee and empties into the Connecticut River in West Claremont.
Claremont was incorporated as a city by popular vote in 1947. Claremont is the only city in Sullivan county.
Claremont is the home of New Hampshire's first Roman Catholic Church, built in 1823. Today Claremont is enjoying a re-birth and it transitions from its industrial past to its present as a shopping and recreation destination. Downtown Claremont features historical architecture that includes the Claremont Opera House which houses the Claremont City Hall. The Opera House was built in 1897 and was designed by Charles A. Rich who also designed many buildings at Dartmouth College and was the architect of Teddy Roosevelt's Sagamore Hill at Oyster Bay. The Opera House still presents quality performances throughout the year.
This small city has an abundance of recreational opportunities; The Arrowhead Recreation offeres hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country ski trails.
Moody Park is fabulous place for a picnic or a hike. The park was donated to the city by successful Claremont businessman and shoe manufacturer William H.H. Moody in 1916. Today Moody Park consists of more than 325 acres and includes; tennis courts, a picnic area with tables and BarBQ grills, a pavillion, playground, skating rink and hiking trails. The park is maintained by the Claremont Parks and Recreation Department.
