Historically, humans were drawn to the Hampton-Seabrook Estuary to benefit from its abundant natural resources and critical ecological services. Dating back 4,000 years, Native Americans relied on the estuary for its rich shellfish and finfish populations, as well as its fertile land for farming. By the 17th century, European settlers utilized the estuary for food, both for farming and fish/shellfish harvesting. Infrastructure such as sawmills, windmills, grists, fulling mills, and dams were built along the rivers and creeks within the estuary’s watershed to harness energy from wind and water.

As more people settled in the area over the centuries, the New Hampshire seacoast became a hub for travelers as taverns and meat shops were erected and roads and bridges were expanded, with the mile-long bridge spanning over Hampton Harbor and connecting the towns of Hampton and Seabrook built in 1901. In the 20th century, the area was rapidly developed, including the Hampton Beach area by the 1930s, which resulted in the destruction of salt marsh and dune habitats and sedimentation of Hampton Harbor, the dredging of which continues to present day. Commercial and residential development along the U.S. Route 1 corridor brought to the area antique stores, restaurants, automobile dealers, and retail stores.