The central part of town, where 4,735 people resided at the 2020 census,[5] is defined as the Newport census-designated place (CDP) and is located next to the Sugar River at the junction of New Hampshire routes 10 and 11.

But ongoing hostilities during the French and Indian War, as close as the Fort at Number 4 at Charlestown, delayed settlement.

[6] At that time, the Connecticut River was the only route for travel, until a road was cut through the wilderness to Charlestown in 1767.

George Washington, however, dissolved their union with Vermont in 1782, and the towns rejoined New Hampshire.

[7] With excellent soil for farming, and abundant water power from the Sugar River and its South Branch to run mills, Newport grew prosperous.

But the Sugar River was recognized as central to industrial development, and in 1820, mill owners from Claremont, Sunapee and Newport united to create the Sunapee Dam Corporation, which built a dam to regulate the river's flow, running mill machinery even during drought.

The venerable mill town has significant architectural landmarks, including the 1823 South Congregational Church designed by Elias Carter, the Newport Opera House built in 1886, and the Richards Free Library, built as the home of Colonel Seth Mason Richards in 1898.

Photos from the early 20th century: During the summer and fall of 1765, six young men came to Newport from Killingworth, Connecticut, cleared six acres of land each, and, after getting in a crop of rye, returned home and spent the winter.

The following year, in June 1766, these men having an addition of two to their number, making eight in all, five having families, came and made the first permanent settlement.

All accounts agree that they arrived in town Saturday night; that they were detained by a bad place in the road on Pike Hill, where they camped for the night; and the following day, after accomplishing the remainder of their journey, they spent in religious worship under the shadow of a pine tree which stood just south of the A. Pease residence.

Newport is drained by the west-flowing Sugar River and its South Branch, with the town center at their confluence.

The highest point in town is along its southern border, where an unnamed ridge has an elevation of approximately 1,920 feet (590 m) above sea level.

Richards Elementary School educates children from kindergarten through 5th grade.