Townsend

Understand

Townsend

Townsend sits on the border of New Hampshire, and has the largest land area of all the towns in Middlesex county, and one of the smallest populations in said county. The town is made up of three distinct areas: West Townsend, Townsend Center, and Townsend Harbor. Townsend was settled in 1676, and incorporated in 1732. It had always been a farming community, but by the late 1800s, Barrel Manufacturing came to be Townsend's largest industry with large manufactures, and more than 80 small cooper shops that provided components for the large manufacturers.

Ashby

With the smallest town population in Middlesex County, Ashby is not very developed outside of the downtown area. Many roads are not paved so in spring during mud season stick to route 119 and route 31, the two main roads in town. Ashby was settled in 1676 by the families of James Coleman, James Locke, and John Fitch.

Get in

By car

Townsend is served by state routes 119 and 13.

From the east, take exit 31 on Interstate 495 then go 119 west to Townsend.

From the south, take Interstate 190 North to its northern terminus at Route 2. Take State route 2 west to exit 32, and from there route 13 North will take you from Leominster to Townsend.

From the west, Take Interstate 90 East to 190 North to its northern terminus at Route 2. Take State route 2 west to exit 32, and from there route 13 North will take you from Leominster to Townsend.

Coming in from the north, say, from Manchester International Airport, take NH 101 west to NH 13 South in Milford to Townsend.

Get around

A car our walking are going to be the only way to get around Townsend and Ashby. There is no public transport into our out of town.