Historical Marker for Hilton Family Unveiled in Newfields, NH

A historical sign commemorating members of the Hilton family that settled what became the town of Newfields was recently Saturday.

The Division of Historical Resources erected the 272nd historical marker near the intersection of Route 85 and Summer Street which reads explains the significance of the Hilton family in Newfields.

The marker was the result of an application submitted in April by the Newfields Cemetery Trustees, the Newfields Garden Club, the Newfields Select Board and several individuals in town. Select board member Michael Sununu, brother of Gov. Chris Sununu, and the Newfields Community Fund created a GoFundMe page in April in order to help pay for the sign.

The sign reads:

“After establishing a fishing settlement in what is now called Dover Point, Edward Hilton, Sr. (1569-1671) settled in the ‘New fields’ section of Exeter in the 1630s. Hilton’s first know residence was located near the Hilton Burying Ground, where many of his descendants are buried. The oldest surviving inscription is for his grandson, Col. Winthrop Hilton (1671-1710), who was the principal military commander in New Hampshire at the time of his death. A Hilton Family home built in the early 18th century stands on what is now Exeter Road.”

An interactive map of the state’s historical highway markers is available at the NH Division of Historical Resources’ website, nh.gov/nhdhr.

The agency said that any municipality, agency, organization or individual wishing to propose a historical highway marker to commemorate significant New Hampshire places, persons or events must submit a petition of support signed by at least 20 New Hampshire residents.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH