Straddling the Souhegan River, Milford separated from neighboring Amherst in 1794. Like most towns named Milford in the United States, its name comes from the fact that a mill was built on a ford, or shallow spot, on the river.
Milford first grew to fame for its granite quarries, which produced a stone that was used, among other things, to make the pillars for the Treasury building in Washington, D.C. - pillars that can still be seen on the American $10 bill. Its nickname is still The Granite Town, although only one small quarry is in operation as of 2003. Also, like many New England riverside towns, it developed several thriving textile mills in the 19th century.
Both those industries departed by World War II, but Milford remains the commercial and retail center for surrounding towns, locally known as the Souhegan Valley. Major employers included the casting company Hitchiner Manufacturing and manufacturer Hendrix Wire and Cable.
Milford was a major stop on the underground railroad for escaped slaves.
Official town Web site: http://www.ci.milford.nh.us/External link