Settled in 1719 by Scotch immigrants seeking religious freedom, the Town of Windham was originally home to the Pawtucket Indians. It represented but a small part of a larger settlement, known by the residents as "Nutfield", which also encompassed the towns of Derry and Londonderry. By the year 1741, a small fraction of the original settlers had petitioned for a charter to form a separate community whose bounds included 27.2 square miles of land and water. In 1742, Governor Benning Wentworth granted their request and the Town of Windham was incorporated.

Regardless of the provenance of our name, that original band of dedicated individuals, primarily farmers and millworkers, worked diligently to create the rural oasis in which we now reside and now, over 260 years later, there are still several pieces of their history which remain. While not inclusive, some of the historic sites within the Town include: the Searles School, which has undergone extensive restoration, and though not completed, is currently being rented for functions; the Searles Castle, owned and renovated by the Sisters of Mercy, which is also available for functions; and the original "Town Center", the location of the Town Hall, Planning Department, Senior Center, Bartley House and the Armstrong Memorial Building, the latter of which houses the Town's museum.

Outside of these, there are numerous other pieces of history scattered throughout the Town: the Governor Dinsmore plaque; the old sections of the cemeteries; and Garaphelia Park, to name a few. Windham also has several natural phenomena, which have been historically documented. Sadly however, most of these, such as Butterfield Rock, are now inaccessible to the public. There are also various areas in Town, which have been registered with the State as Historic Districts and contain some of our oldest existing homes.

Incorporated: 1741

Origin: The second town to be incorporated by Governor Benning Wentworth, Windham was separated from Londonderry in 1741. It was named for Sir Charles Wyndham, Earl of Egremont and Baron Cockermouth, who was a member of Parliament and Secretary of State when the Rockingham government favored conciliation with the American colonies.

Population, Year of the First Census Taken: 663 residents in 1790

Population Trends: Population in Windham grew slightly more than 11 times larger over the last five decades, the seventh highest percent increase. Decennial growth rates ranged from a 19 percent increase between 1990-2000 to a 128 percent increase between 1960-1970. Windham's population increased by a total of 9,745 residents, going from 964 in 1950 to 10,709 residents in 2000. The 2003 Census estimate for Windham was 12,205 residents, which ranked 23rd among New Hampshire's incorporated cities and towns.

Population Density, 2003: 430.0 persons per square mile of land area. Windham contains 26.7 square miles of land area and 1.0 square miles of inland water area.