The settlement of Boscawen began in 1734 when pioneers from coastal areas, including Haverhill and Newbury, Massachusetts made their way up the valley of the Merrimack River. The original settlement was known as "Contoocook" and kept that name until 1760, when it was renamed for Admiral Boscawen. This little outpost of civilization was bounded to the north by unexplored wilderness and the nearest settlement to the east was Rochester, New Hampshire. Until 1860, the area of Boscawen included what is now known as the town of Webster, New Hampshire. These two areas were known as East and West Boscawen until the town of Webster was named.

Official Town Web Site
Town History