Pittsfield in Merrimack County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)

Cram's Purchase

1768

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 2, 2024

1. Cram's Purchase Marker

Inscription. In 1768, under contract with the colonial proprietors of Chichester, John Cram chose this spot on the “Great Suncook” upon which to build a saw mill and grist mill. He constructed a crude dam for power to run the mills by felling trees from each side of the river. For his efforts he received 500 acres of land. Later Cram purchased another 1100 acres which constituted most of today's downtown community. For these reasons he is known as “The Father of Pittsfield.”

Erected 1999 by Pittsfield Historical Society. (Marker Number 26.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the New Hampshire, Pittsfield Historical Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1768.

Location. 43° 18.339′ N, 71° 19.873′ W. Marker is in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, in Merrimack County. It is on Water Street north of Main Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 27 Water St, Pittsfield NH 03263, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Factory Dam Operating Mechanisms (within shouting distance of this marker); Cotton Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Cotton Mill Steam Pump (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); River Schoolhouse (about 300 feet away); Agents' House (about 400 feet away); Dr. R.P.J. Tenney House (about 400 feet away); Jonathan “Jocky” Fogg, Patriot (about 500 feet away); Washington House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pittsfield.

Also see . . . Pittsfield Historical Trail (PDF). Historical guide for a 1.5-mile loop trail developed by the Pittsfield Historical Society. The trail stops at three dozen historical sites that were typical of New England communities more than a century ago: homes, churches, schools, industrial and commercial buildings

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 2, 2024

2. Cram's Purchase Marker

as well as dams and bridges. (Submitted on November 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 131 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 15, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.