Gilmanton, New Hampshire

Gilmanton, New Hampshire is a town located in Belknap County, near Lake Winnipesaukee and Gunstock Mountain Resort. The town is situated approximately 30 miles north of Manchester and 20 miles southeast of Plymouth. Gilmanton is bordered by the towns of Belmont to the west, Tilton to the northwest, and Alton to the east. The town is also close to the White Mountain National Forest and the Squam Lake region, which is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, such as hiking and skiing at Loon Mountain Resort and Cannon Mountain.

Geography

Gilmanton is situated in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, near the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and Silver Lake. The town's geography is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and wetlands, with several streams and rivers flowing through the area, including the Suncook River and the Merrimack River. The town's landscape is also dotted with numerous ponds and lakes, such as Crystal Lake and Shellcamp Pond, which offer opportunities for fishing and boating. Gilmanton is close to several notable geographic features, including Mount Major and Mount Belknap, which are popular destinations for hiking and outdoor recreation. The town is also near the Kancamagus Highway, a scenic route that runs through the White Mountain National Forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including the Franconia Notch State Park and the Crawford Notch State Park.

History

Gilmanton was first settled in the mid-18th century by European-American colonists, who were attracted to the area's fertile soil, abundant timber, and access to Lake Winnipesaukee. The town was officially incorporated in 1794 and was named after John Gilman, a prominent local landowner and New Hampshire politician. During the 19th century, Gilmanton experienced significant growth and development, driven by the expansion of the agriculture and manufacturing sectors, with companies like the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company and the Lowell Manufacturing Company playing a major role in the local economy. The town was also home to several notable figures, including Daniel Webster, who served as a United States Senator and United States Secretary of State, and Franklin Pierce, who served as the 14th President of the United States. Gilmanton is also close to the Robert Frost Farm, which was the home of the famous American poet Robert Frost, and the Currier Museum of Art, which features a collection of American art and European art.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the town of Gilmanton had a population of approximately 3,700 people, with a median age of 43 years old. The town's population is predominantly White American, with a small percentage of Asian American and Hispanic and Latino American residents. The median household income in Gilmanton is around $70,000, with a per capita income of approximately $30,000. The town is served by the Gilmanton School District, which operates several schools, including the Gilmanton Elementary School and the Gilford High School. Gilmanton is also close to several institutions of higher education, including Plymouth State University, University of New Hampshire, and Dartmouth College, which offer a range of academic programs, including those in business, engineering, and the liberal arts.

Economy

The economy of Gilmanton is diverse, with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and service sector industries. The town is home to several major employers, including the Gilmanton School District, the Town of Gilmanton, and several small businesses, such as the Gilmanton Farmers' Market and the Gilmanton Village Store. The town is also close to several major employers, including the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, the New Hampshire State Hospital, and the Plymouth State University. Gilmanton is also a popular tourist destination, with several attractions, including the Gunstock Mountain Resort, the Lake Winnipesaukee region, and the White Mountain National Forest, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, skiing, and fishing, and attract visitors from nearby cities like Boston and Portland.

Education

Gilmanton is served by the Gilmanton School District, which operates several schools, including the Gilmanton Elementary School and the Gilford High School. The town is also close to several institutions of higher education, including Plymouth State University, University of New Hampshire, and Dartmouth College, which offer a range of academic programs, including those in business, engineering, and the liberal arts. The town is also home to several private schools, including the Gilmanton Christian Academy and the New Hampton School, which offer alternative educational options for students. Gilmanton is also near the New Hampshire Institute of Art, the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, and the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium, which provide educational resources and opportunities for students and residents.

Infrastructure

Gilmanton has a well-developed infrastructure, with several major roads and highways passing through the town, including New Hampshire Route 140 and New Hampshire Route 107. The town is also close to several major transportation hubs, including the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and the Concord Municipal Airport, which offer flights to destinations like Logan International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. Gilmanton is also served by several public transportation systems, including the Concord Area Transit and the Lakes Region Transit, which provide bus service to nearby cities and towns, such as Laconia and Wolfeboro. The town is also home to several community facilities, including the Gilmanton Town Hall, the Gilmanton Public Library, and the Gilmanton Community Center, which offer a range of services and amenities for residents, including those in nearby towns like Alton and Belmont.