Bow, incorporated in 1727, is located just south of New Hampshire's capital, Concord. Colonists who settled in the area were granted parcels of land from the king of England. Most early settlers were farmers, and the town quickly became known for its agriculture. In the 1800s, the power of the town's waterways was harnessed and several mills opened. The sawmill and gristmill formed one of the town's first settlements, a section known as Bow Mills. Today Bow is a bedroom community with many active civic organizations. Improvements in the highway system, low property taxes, and excellent educational facilities have fueled Bow's growth.