Please don't confuse Canaan, NH with Canaan, VT.

Canaan, population roughly 4,000, is located in the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire sitting east of Lebanon at the intersections of Routes 4 and 118. It's a small town with lots of trees, and a great view of Mount Cardigan. It's a pretty area, with reasonable access to I-91 and I-93.

Canaan's Noyes Academy admitted African-American students in 1835, making it one of the nation's first schools to allow education, regardless of race. Opposing forces destroyed the school soon afterward allowing Union Academy to be built on the same site, which later became part of the Underground Railroad, offering sanctuary to African-Americans escaping slavery.

Canaan was the location of a great train wreck between a passenger and freight train in 1907, killing 25 people.

Laying on the Northern Rail Trail, today Canaan is home to the Cardigan Mountain School, the Canaan Street Historic District, the Canaan Motor Club and the Mt. Cardigan Snowmobile Club.

Lodging is available at the Stagecoach Lodge. Dining in Canaan includes the Canaan Village Pizza, 1209 US Route 4, and Dishin' It Out. More dining choices and lodging are available in Lebanon (about 14 miles).

With its interesting history and natural beauty, Canaan is a nice stopping point between the White Mountains and the Hanover/White River Junction area.

► For more information see: Canaan, New Hampshire (UpperValleyNHVT.com).