Nashua's growth began with strong-minded industrialists who had visions of great mills powered by the Nashua River. The Nashua Manufacturing Company expanded this small settlement, at the time called Dunstable, to a thriving and affluent community. In a speech given on July 4, 1803, civic leader Daniel Abbot inspired the town to change the name of the area to Nashua Village, and in 1853, Nashua was granted city status. Nashua places vintage images alongside contemporary photographs to illustrate the changes that have taken place in this city through the years. Readers will find well-known businesses such as the Bellavance Beverage Company, historical buildings such as Martha's Exchange, and fantastic street scenes including architectural treasures such as the Nashua Telegraph building and the Indian Head Bank.