Incorporated: 1750

Origin: Established in 1730 as Narragansett Number 5 for the benefit of soldiers who fought against the Narragansett Indians in Rhode Island. It was regranted first as Souhegan East, then as Bedford in 1750. The town was named for Lord John Russell, fourth Duke of Bedford, a close friend of Governor Benning Wentworth.

Population, Year of the First Census Taken: 898 residents in 1790

Population Trends: Bedford has grown very quickly over fifty years— the town ranked ninth in percent increase and eighth in numeric increase. The 2000 population of 18,274 was over eight times 1950's population of 2,176, a total increase of 16,098 residents. Every decade has had a substantial rate of growth, ranging from 33 percent between 1980-1990 to a 67 percent increase between 1950-1960. The 2003 Census estimate for Bedford was 20,181 residents, which ranked 13th among New Hampshire's incorporated cities and towns.

Population Density, 2003: 586.3 persons per square mile of land area. Bedford contains 32.8 square miles of land area and 0.3 square miles of inland water area.

Villages and Place Names: Souhegan East