The history of Bennington, New Hampshire is the story of an uncommon town. As the remnants of the Masonian Proprietors' holdings called Society Land, it had the distinction of being the last unincorporated area in Hillsborough County. Within its borders stood the oldest covered railroad bridge and one of the first cotton mills in New Hampshire, while one of the most enduring paper mills in the United States still operates. But beyond the records, Bennington has always remained a community. People have helped each other in time of need and have survived tough times together.Even before its incorporation in 1842, many of Bennington's lasting families and institutions were already well established, attracted by the Great Falls of the Contoocook. Joseph Putnam, the first known settler, initiated the first industries, a saw mill and grist mill, enticing others to the area, which became Hancock Factory Village. Subsequent industries included the Whittemore family cotton mill, several knife factories, and the most lasting one of all, the Monadnock Paper Mill.Shaped by the Great Falls and the rugged land in the shadow of Crotched Mountain, the people of Bennington have endured. Residents erected public buildings, schools, and churches that have all adapted to the changes within town and in the wider world. Bennington had its share of heroes who fought and died in many of America's wars and has fittingly honored its past citizens. Although the faces and houses may have changed since the early days of Society Land, this small town has forged characters and memories of all of those who have called it home for over two centuries.Researched from state and local documents, town records, and oral histories and papers collected by Georgietta Bryer and others, this history traces the evolution of Bennington from wilderness to modern day. By revealing Bennington's rich past, the narrative and images will demonstrate that Bennington has a heritage that the community should be proud of.