First granted in 1735 as Upper Ashuelot to soldiers in the wars against Canada, and intended to be a fort town. Establishment of the Massachusetts-New Hampshire boundary in 1753 made it one of the largest towns in New England. Under regrant by the New Hampshire governor, the town was named Keene, in honor of Sir Benjamin Keene of England, an associate of Governor Wentworth in the Spanish West Indies trade. Keene was incorporated as a city in 1873, and is home to Keene State College.

Today, Keene has developed into the regional primary shopping, business, and commerce center. Downtown Keene features outstanding hotels and is a busy shopping destination.