First known as Harrytown and Tyng's Town, the town was granted as Derryfield in 1751. The name Manchester was suggested by Samuel Blodgett, a businessman who found that the Amoskeag Falls impeded shipping on the Merrimack River. After visiting Manchester, England, he was determined to build a canal like those in England. The canal was first o
pened in May 1807. Mr. Blodgett's goal was to make the town a great city, and although he died in September 1807, it was renamed Manchester in 1810, and incorporated as a city in 1846.
Today, Manchester is home to New Hampshire Community Technical College-Manchester and the University of New Hampshire at Manchester. Great shopping at The Mall of New Hampshire and at unique downtown stores. Elm Street is the primary downtown road and business center.
The Verizon Center is located in Downtown Manchester and presents top name entertainment on a regular basis. The Palace Theatre brings live theatre performances to the city.