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Belknap County History

Belknap County is a county located in the state of New Hampshire in the United States. It was founded in 1840 and named after Jeremy Belknap, a prominent clergyman and historian who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The county covers an area of 469 square miles and has a population of around 61,000 people as of the 2020 Census.

The history of Belknap County is closely tied to the history of New Hampshire as a whole. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Pennacook and Abenaki, who fished, hunted, and farmed the land. In the early 17th century, European explorers began to explore the area, and by the mid-1600s, English settlers had established towns such as Dover, Portsmouth, and Exeter.

During the American Revolution, New Hampshire played a crucial role in the fight for independence. Many New Hampshire soldiers fought in the Continental Army, and the state was home to several key leaders of the revolution, including John Langdon and John Stark. In the years following the revolution, New Hampshire continued to grow and prosper, becoming a center for manufacturing, agriculture, and trade.

Belknap County was created in 1840 when the state legislature divided the existing Merrimack County into two smaller counties. The county seat was established in the town of Laconia, which was originally known as Meredith Bridge. Laconia quickly became a major center for industry and commerce, thanks in part to its location on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Over the years, Belknap County has played an important role in the history of New Hampshire. The county has been home to many notable individuals, including statesman Daniel Webster and author Nathaniel Hawthorne. Today, Belknap County is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including its lakes, forests, and mountains, as well as its vibrant communities and rich cultural heritage.

Belknap County Top Tourist Attractions

Belknap County is home to a variety of attractions that draw tourists from all over the world. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Belknap County:

• Lake Winnipesaukee: Lake Winnipesaukee is one of the largest lakes in New Hampshire, covering more than 44,000 acres. It's a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water sports.
• Gunstock Mountain Resort: Gunstock Mountain Resort is a popular ski and snowboarding destination in the winter, and offers hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities in the summer.
• Weirs Beach: Weirs Beach is a popular tourist destination on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. It offers a variety of attractions, including a boardwalk, arcades, mini-golf, and scenic boat tours.
• Castle in the Clouds: Castle in the Clouds is a historic mansion that was built in the early 1900s. It offers guided tours, hiking trails, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
• Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail: The Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail is a paved trail that runs for several miles along the shore of Lake Winnisquam. It's a popular destination for hiking, biking, and jogging.
• Belknap Mill: The Belknap Mill is a historic textile mill that dates back to the mid-1800s. It offers guided tours, exhibits, and educational programs about the history of the mill and the textile industry.
• Laconia Motorcycle Week: Laconia Motorcycle Week is an annual motorcycle rally that takes place in June. It's one of the oldest and largest motorcycle rallies in the country, and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
• Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad: The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad offers scenic train rides through the mountains and along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.
• Meredith Sculpture Walk: The Meredith Sculpture Walk is a collection of public art installations that are located throughout the town of Meredith. It's a unique and interesting way to explore the town and its history.
• Lake Winnipesaukee Antique Boat Museum: The Lake Winnipesaukee Antique Boat Museum is a museum that is dedicated to the history and preservation of antique boats. It offers exhibits, workshops, and educational programs for visitors of all ages.

Belknap County Climate

Belknap County experiences a humid continental climate, which is characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers in Belknap County are warm and humid, with average high temperatures in the 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 25 to 28 degrees Celsius). Winters are cold and snowy, with average low temperatures in the teens to 20s Fahrenheit (around -8 to -5 degrees Celsius). The county receives an average of around 70 inches (about 178 cm) of snowfall per year.

Spring and fall are transitional seasons, with mild temperatures and colorful foliage in the fall. The annual average temperature in Belknap County is around 44 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit (about 7 to 8 degrees Celsius). The region also experiences occasional thunderstorms in the summer and fall, and occasional nor'easters in the winter.

Belknap County is also known for its beautiful natural scenery, which includes lakes, forests, and mountains. The climate in the region supports a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and boating, fishing, and hiking in the summer.

Belknap County Geography

The county is bordered by Carroll County to the east, Merrimack County to the south, Grafton County to the north, and the state of Vermont to the west.

Belknap County is characterized by its rugged and varied topography, which includes mountains, forests, and lakes. The eastern part of the county is dominated by the Ossipee Mountains, which rise to elevations of over 4,000 feet (about 1,220 meters) in places. The central part of the county is home to Lake Winnipesaukee, one of the largest lakes in New Hampshire, and its surrounding hills and valleys.

Belknap County is also home to a number of smaller lakes, including Lake Winnisquam, Lake Waukewan, and Squam Lake. These lakes, along with numerous smaller ponds and streams, provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, and swimming.

The county seat of Belknap County is the city of Laconia, which is located on the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. Other major towns in the county include Meredith, Gilford, Alton, and Belmont. The county is served by several major highways, including Interstate 93, U.S. Route 3, and New Hampshire Route 11.