Home to the University of New Hampshire, Durham is among New Hampshire’s oldest communities. Known as Wecannecohunt to the Abenaki, Oyster River Plantation was originally organized as part of Dover and later was granted rights as an independent parish and ultimately incorporated as Durham in 1732. In its early days, Durham took on a very localized industry in lumber, fish, and fur trading. Later, the town would become known for shipbuilding. The University of New Hampshire, originally the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, relocated to Durham from Hanover in 1893. The school renamed the University of New Hampshire, in 1923 with the addition of the College of Liberal Arts. Durham today has a vibrant downtown and many well-preserved historical sites surrounded by a wealth of natural resources and recreation opportunities.