In the early 1700s the great ports of Boston, Portsmouth and Portland, Maine were rapidly extending out into the hinterlands thirsty for fuel (wood) and other resources. Iron ore and masts for ships were in great need by the shipbuilding port of Portsmouth. A land grant was granted in 1719 in what is now Barrington, New Hampshire. In 1722 the Two-Mile Streak was added to the original grant. The tract of land was two miles wide by six miles long. An iron works in Newmarket needed wood for fuel, iron ore and a place to settle the workers. The streak provided all of this. The area was settled by mostly Scottish and English settlers.
