According to the 1893 History of Hampton, New Hampshire the author, Joseph Dow, notes that Hampton was first settled by Europeans in 1638 and originally called Winnacunnet. In the book's preface he notes that Hampton was one of New Hampshire's four original towns.

Hampton's history is well preserved through an active historical society, impressive historical accounts in the town's public library and a variety of passive public history. The town honors its lost veterans through streets, bridges and parks bearing some of their names and memorials to the Civil War, World War I, II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The Library's history section publishes a list compiled by the American Legion.  http://www.hampton.lib.nh.us/hampton/history/military/in_memoriam/index.htm

Hampton's Historical Society is housed at Tuck Museum across from Memorial Park a.k.a. Founder's Park. The park contains 43 stones along its parimeter commemorating families who are considered the towns founders, settling the town between 1638-1695. Requests to add new stones are first reviewed by the Hampton Historical Society and if approved then forwarded to the town for final approval. The Historical Society website includes a detailed account of the markers at the Memorial/Founder's Park. http://www.hamptonhistoricalsociety.org/foundpk.htm