From The Gazetteer of the State of New Hampshire (in three parts), compiled from the best authorities, by Eliphalet Merrill and the Late Phinehas Merrill, Esq., Printed by C. Norris & Co., Exeter, NH, �1817, pg 161-162
Part Two of Gazetteer:
MERRIMACK RIVER - is formed by two branches. The most northern of which, (Pemigewasset river) has its source among the White mountains. The other branch is a short stream which flows from Winnipiseogee lake. These form a junction at the S.W. extremity of Sanbornton, on the line of Hillsborough county, and compose the Merrimack, the general course of which is S. by E. about 52 miles on a direct line (but about 80 miles as the river runs,) to the southern boundary of the state. From Sanbornton corner it passes between Northfield, New Salisbury, Canterbury, and Boscawen. These towns are connected by bridges. The Merrimack receives the Contoocook river on the northern line of concord. From this junction the merrimack passes in a serpentine course through the centre of Concord, forming a large tract of excellent intervale. Two bridges are thrown over the river, connecting the eastern and western parts of Concord. The Merrimack, after leaving this town passes between Pembroke and Bow. In Bow there is a canal on the western side of the river round Garvin�s falls, and just above these falls Turkey river empties itself, as does Suncook river at the lower extremity of Pembroke. About 400 rods below the mouth of the Suncook are the Isle of Hooksett falls and bridge, over which passes the Londonderry turnpike leading to concord. Amuskeag falls are about 8 miles below; these consist of three large pitches within the distance of half a mile making a fall of 80 feet. There is a canal round these falls on the eastern side of the river and at this place. M�Gregore�s bridge connects Manchester and Goffstown. At the lower part of Goffstown Cohass brook empties itself. At the town of Merrimack, about 5 miles father down, Sowhegan river empties itself, as does the Nashua river 7 miles lower on the western side, flowing from the town of Dunstable. At this town it takes an easterly direction, passing into Tyngsborough, Chelmsford, etc. in Massachussetts, and at Newburyport it falls into the sea.
Submitted by T.C. Parziale 5/30/00
Merrimack River