Though historical activity dates back to 1651 when John Eliot “Apostle to the Indians,” preached at Amoskeag Falls in Manchester the City was formerly known as the Town of Derryfield that received its charter in 1751. In 1810, Amoskeag Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing Company was incorporated, and the name was changed from Derryfield to Manchester. The population at that time was 600 plus residents.

The City of Manchester, Incorporated in 1846 has grown to a population of 100,000 plus. Through the strengths of its habitants, Manchester’s rich heritage survived the devastating effects of the closing of the Amoskeag Mills whose Board initially designed the streets, lots and parks of this great City in 1838. Many of the City’s buildings were originally owned by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. and later donated for public uses. The City recently embarked upon and completed a $6.3 million plus restoration of its City Hall. Private industry, sometimes working with the City, has restored many of the mill buildings for museums, educational and other current uses.

As the largest City in New Hampshire, Manchester has been frequented by most every candidate for President, going back to the days of Abraham Lincoln, and continuing through to the current President of the United States. In 1991, the City’s inhabitants suffered the effects of the closing of four major banks and now boasts of a new civic center, active downtown, shopping malls, historic and cultural activities, quality educational programs and good neighborhoods. Manchester has been reported by magazines such as US News and World Report. and Money Magazine as “One of the Top Ten Cities to Live In”, sixth “Best Place to Live in America,” “Best Small City to Live in the East,” and “Manchester’s Business Climate Ranked No. 1 in the U.S.”

According to Manchester’s Charter, a Board of Mayor and Aldermen governs this City. While considered a strong mayoral form of government, the Board holds much power on policy and budget. The Board has consistently endeavored and succeeded in supporting growth of the City with quality of life for its residents. There are twelve wards in the City, which elect the local and state governmental representatives.