Unity

Unity Town Hall. Image credit: Bill Marrs (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Unity is an exceptional destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, especially if you wish to take in the great views from a 2,011 feet (613 m) peak. If hiking is not your thing, Crescent Lake is just 1.7 miles from Unity, where a public boat ramp allows visitors and residents to access the lovely little lake with forest-covered shores. Unity was incorporated in 1764, and in the early 1800s, the town’s economy was based on sheep farming and industry with grain mills, sawmills, a clothing mill, and a distillery. The Unity Town Hall building was originally built as a Baptist meeting house in 1831.

Unity at the Little Sugar River

Welcome to Unity, NH – where residents enjoy a quiet but strong and tight-knit community, with services including a public library, elementary school, historical society and a conservation commission. The rural scenic area, drained by the Little Sugar River from its local source at what was once called Whortleberry pond in 1854, has seasonal recreational opportunities such as snowmobiling trails in the winter or fishing at Crescent Lake along the town’s southern border.  Visitors to Unity can explore yet another corner of New Hampshire colonial history at sites like the Chase Tavern (now the Town Offices and Public Library) or at the Unity Town Hall with its Revere bell – one of 398 cast at Paul Revere Foundry and one of only 134 remaining intact today.  

Unity School to Farm Day. Image Credit: Sullivan County Government.

Quick Facts about Unity, NH

  • Established in 1764
    • First census: 538 residents in 1790
  • The town includes the villages of Unity, East Unity, Quaker City, and West Unity
  • Area: 37.20 sq mi (96.34 km2)
  • Population: 1,518 (2020), down from 1,671 at the 2010 census
    • 40.8 persons per square mile of land area
    • 30.6% of the population is 65 years or older
    • 98.1% are White or White in combination with another race
    • 2.3% are indigenous Native Americans or combination
    • 1.3% are Hispanic or Latino 
  • Housing: 700 units with 82% occupied in 2020
    • 11.6% of housing units were marked for seasonal or recreational use
  • Median family income: $75,417
    • 9.8% individuals below the poverty line
    • Unemployment rate: 2%
    • Average weekly rate for both Private and Government employees: $909
  • Commuting: 76.7% commute to another NH community, 7.9% commute over the stateline

Sources: US. Census 2020, https://www.nhes.nh.gov/elmi/products/cp/profiles-htm/unity.htm

Did you know? In 2008, Unity hosted Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton’s first joint public event after the Democratic primary, reportedly chosen for the town’s symbolic name and because they had tied in votes from Unity citizens.

Clinton and Obama in Unity, NH. Image Credit: Thomas Huston on Flickr.

Unity’s Early History

This area within the Connecticut River watershed was once inhabited by the Western Abenaki people. They were hunters, fishers, gatherers, sugarers and, later, farmers – just as many residents are today. 

However, colonization brought the establishment of the Province of New Hampshire and this territory, known then as Buckingham, was chartered in 1753.  Once land grant disputes were resolved through a unified agreement, the town of Unity was incorporated in 1764. According to the Unity Historical Society, the charters granted by King George III came with some standard conditions: grantees were required – upon penalty of land forfeiture – to cultivate 5 out of every 50 acres of land for the Crown for 5 years and also to preserve all pine trunks of appropriate ship mast size for the Royal Navy.

The Second New Hampshire Turnpike trade route was built passing through Unity, so the population grew rapidly. By 1810, there were over 1,000 residents with agriculture, including sheep farming, and mills for grain, wood and clothing driving the local economy and trades. The through traffic allowed businesses such as the Chase Tavern to also thrive. 

In 1849, the Sullivan Railroad was completed and the number of visitors that once passed through Unity on their way to and from Boston decreased. For the next hundred years, the population declined steadily from 1,300 residents in 1820 to around 500 in 1930 (61.5%↘).  

Only in recent years has the population recovered. 

Modern Unity

Today, the area is an ideal home for country folk or a great escape for any city folk who want an unplugged, rural getaway. Visitors can rent a 3-bed cabin AirBnB near the Town Commons for $155/night,  an 8-guest lakefront home for $254/night, or this guest favorite at Crescent Lake for $264/night. Limited luxury stays are also available, such as this recently remodeled, amenity-packed, pet-friendly, 11-guest waterfront English cottage with 7 fireplace mantels for around $6,000 per week. 

Unity Outdoors

SCA Unity Mountain Trail is a 4-mile path with a scenic overlook near the summit of Unity Mountain. The west trailhead starts at the Sullivan County Complex, home of the Eco Ag Center, with its gorgeous community garden, Monarch waystation, and outdoor classroom. The trail terminates to the east at Marshall Pond, where there is an additional quick, easy, out-and-back 1 miler hike available along the road. 

Unity Mountain Trail Sign. Image Credit: Matthew Raudonis on AllTrails.

Campsites are also available for outdoorsy guests, such as the Sweet Song Acres at the base of Perry Mountain, which is available to book on hipcamp.com. The 100-acre campsite along the Little Sugar River was a 2023 Best in New Hampshire finalist and is off-leash friendly for furry guests. 

Unity Eco Ag Center. Image Credit: Sullivan County Government.

Haunted Unity

Mark your calendars to visit Unity during Halloween, because each autumn local residents cleverly convert some land by the elementary school into the Devil’s Playground – a terrifying 45 minute walk through a “haunted forest of doom!”  The 4.5 stars of Google reviews by thrill seekers give some insight to what you might experience: 

“Awesome haunted walk! Love the whole place!! Gouls and murderous creeps do a fantastic job entertaining and scaring everyone!”

“Fun time – they’ve put a lot of work into the haunted trail.  Some good screamers both in the cast & crew and a few within our group too 👍”

Unity on Horseback

All the Class Equestrian is also located on the far east end of Unity proper, near Highway 10 just past the Northstar Campground (in Newport). The property offers year-round horseback riding lessons for all ages, a summer camp, events, and horse training. 

Come Together in Unity

In Unity, the name truly says it all. This tight-knit community exemplifies how coming together in unity allows a small town to thrive. From its rich history of overcoming land disputes to modern recreational opportunities that bring residents and visitors together, Exploring the great outdoors, community gardening, attending a haunted forest adventure, stand-up paddle boarding on Crescent Lake, and simply enjoying the quaint New England charm – there is something for everyone to unite over in this special corner of New Hampshire. 

Gazebo Ribbon Cutting in Unity. Image Credit: Patrick Adrian.

Schedule a visit and contact us with any questions. We’re happy to assist you in planning and booking your stay here with us.