Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Wolfeboro, New Hampshire | |
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| Motto: The Oldest Summer Resort in America | |
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| Coordinates: | |
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Hampshire |
| County | Carroll County |
| Incorporated | 1770 |
| Government | |
| - Board of Selectmen | Sarah M. Silk, Chairman Allen G. Burgoyne Linda T. Murray Robert T. Reid, Jr. Dwight A. Devork |
| Area | |
| - Town | 58.5 sq mi (151.5 km²) |
| - Land | 48.3 sq mi (125.1 km²) |
| - Water | 10.2 sq mi (26.4 km²) |
| Elevation | 512 ft (156 m) |
| Population (2000) | |
| - Town | 6,083 |
| - Density | 125.9/sq mi (48.6/km²) |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5) |
| - Summer (DST) | Eastern (UTC-4) |
| Website: www.wolfeboronh.us | |
Wolfeboro is a town in Carroll County, New Hampshire, USA. The population was 6,083 at the 2000 census. A venerable resort area situated beside Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro includes the village of Wolfeboro Falls. The community is home to Wentworth State Park and to Brewster Academy, a private preparatory school.
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[edit] History
The town was granted by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth in 1759 to four young men of Portsmouth, and named Wolfeborough in honor of English General James Wolfe, who had been victorious at Quebec in 1759. In 1763, 2,300 acres were added to the 60 acres reserved for the governor. Colonial Governor John Wentworth, his nephew, established an estate on the site, known as Kingswood. Built in 1771 beside what is now called Lake Wentworth, this was the first summer country estate in northern New England. Settled in 1768, the town was incorporated in 1770.
Wolfeboro continues to be a popular summer destination, particularly for families from Boston and southern New Hampshire. The town's motto is "The Oldest Summer Resort in America," indicating its long tradition as a summer colony. Recently, it has also become a popular year-round home for many seeking an idyllic, small town existence. Its downtown is picturesque, with shops lining the main street, and large public docks at the lake shore.
 Hobbs Landing in c. 1910 |
 So. Main Street in c. 1915 |
 Huggins Hospital in 1916 |
[edit] Notable inhabitants
- Drew Barrymore, actress (summer resident)
- Jeb Bradley, US Representative
- Dennis Moran, computer hacker
- Mitt Romney, governor of Massachusetts (summer resident)
- Sir John Wentworth, governor (summer resident)
[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 151.5 km² (58.5 mi²). 125.1 km² (48.3 mi²) of it is land and 26.4 km² (10.2 mi²) of it is water, comprising 17.40% of the town. Wolfeboro is drained by the Smith River. The highest point in town is Moody Mountain, elevation 1,420 feet (433 meters) above sea level, located near the northern boundary.
[edit] Demographics
This article describes the town of Wolfeboro as a whole. Additional demographic detail is available which describes only the main settlement or village within the town, although those values are included in the aggregate values reported here. See: Wolfeboro (CDP), New Hampshire.
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,083 people, 2,574 households, and 1,722 families residing in the town. The population density was 48.6/km² (125.9/mi²). There were 3,903 housing units at an average density of 31.2 persons/km² (80.8 persons/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 99.13% White, 0.16% African American, 0.07% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.05% from other races, and 0.23% from two or more races. 0.61% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 2,574 households out of which 26.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.7% were married couples living together, 7.1% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 33.1% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.83.
In the town the population was spread out with 22.1% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 24.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 89.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $44,013, and the median income for a family was $53,269. Males had a median income of $36,433 versus $29,850 for females. The per capita income for the town was $26,361. 6.3% of the population and 3.5% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 9.0% are under the age of 18 and 2.9% are 65 or older.
[edit] Sites of interest
- Clark House (1778)
- Libby Museum
- Monitor Engine Company Firehouse
- MS Mount Washington
- New Hampshire Boat Museum
- Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse (c. 1805)
- Wright Museum
[edit] External links
- Wolfeboro, NH Official Website
- Wentworth State Park
- Wolfeboro Historical Society
- Wolfeboro Public Library
- New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau Profile
