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History of Meredith, New Hampshire, USA
Journey back in time to Meredith, New Hampshire, USA
(New Salem)
Explore Meredith, New Hampshire, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Meredith Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Meredith, Belknap, NH
Meredith was first known as Palmer's Town in honor of Samuel Palmer, a teacher of surveying and navigation who laid out much of the land surrounding Lake Winnipesaukee. In 1748, it was one of the first towns to have a charter granted by the Masonian Proprietors. Many grantees were from Salem, Massachusetts, so Palmer's Town was renamed New Salem. It was settled in 1766 by Jacob Eaton and Colonel Ebenezer Smith, then regranted in 1768 by Governor John Wentworth and named after Sir William Meredith, 3rd Baronet, a member of Parliament who opposed taxation on the colonies.
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Meredith Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to MEREDITH

I Love NEW HAMPSHIRE Mug – Apple Cider Donuts, Pumpkins & Maple Syrup Coffee Cup
Celebrate cozy New Hampshire autumns with every sip! The I Love New Hampshire Mug features charming illustrations of Apple Cider Donuts, Pumpkins, and Maple Syrup, capturing the essence of fall in the Granite State.

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Arrival of Trains at Base of Mt. Washington, NH – Postcard Ceramic Mug
Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the Arrival of Trains at the base of Mt. Washington, NH, captured in exquisite detail as featured in a postcard from over 100 years ago!

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Mt. Washington Aluminum Bookmark – "Climb High, Stay on Track" with Historic Postcard Images
Mark your place in style with this Mt. Washington aluminum bookmark, featuring stunning images from vintage postcards and the inspirational slogan: "Climb High, Stay on Track – Mt. Washington, NH." A perfect keepsake for book lovers, history buffs, and White Mountains enthusiasts, this durable and lightweight bookmark captures the charm and adventure of New Hampshire’s most iconic peak.

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Mt. Washington Coffee Mug - Historic Postcard Images of Mt. Washington & Cog Railway
Climb to the Clouds - Mt. Washington & the Historic Cog Railway! Sip your favorite brew while enjoying a nostalgic journey through the White Mountains with this ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcard images of Mt. Washington, NH, and the legendary Mt. Washington Cog Railway.
Discover Meredith: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1823 - Fire
A cotton factory at Meredith, New-Hampshire was totally consumed on Thursday, the 12th inst; Such was the rapidity of the flames that the building was destroyed in 37 minutes, and of seven females, who were at work in the upper part of the building when the fire broke out and whose escape was cut off by the progress of the flames, six were compelled to leap from a window 30 feet from the ground, and were much injured in fractures and bruises, and one was taken, almost suffocated, from a small window. The factory contained 700 spindles and 20 looms; and the loss is estimated at between 25 and $30,000.
American Mercury
Hartford, Connecticut
February 25, 1823
A cotton factory at Meredith, New-Hampshire was totally consumed on Thursday, the 12th inst; Such was the rapidity of the flames that the building was destroyed in 37 minutes, and of seven females, who were at work in the upper part of the building when the fire broke out and whose escape was cut off by the progress of the flames, six were compelled to leap from a window 30 feet from the ground, and were much injured in fractures and bruises, and one was taken, almost suffocated, from a small window. The factory contained 700 spindles and 20 looms; and the loss is estimated at between 25 and $30,000.
American Mercury
Hartford, Connecticut
February 25, 1823
1839 - Meredith
Meredith, New Hampshire
Strafford county, is bounded N. by Centre Harbor and Winnepisiogee lake, N.E. and E. by said lake and river, S.E. by Great bay, S. and S.W. by Sanbornton, W. and N.W. by New Hampton and Centre Harbor. This town was incorporated, in 1767, and was first called New Salem. It lies 29 miles N. from Concord and 8 N.W. from Gilford. There is in this town a pond adjoining Centre Harbor, about 2 miles long and one wide, emptying into the lake, near the village; besides this there are several smaller ponds. There is probably no town in the country more advantageously situated, or of a better soil, than Meredith. The waters of the Winnepisiogee washing the boundaries of a great part of the town, convey many heavy mercantile articles to and from almost the doors of several of the inhabitants in the summer; and in the winter, the ice serves as a level and easy road. Near the upper or N.W. part of the town, the traveller passing along the road, is presented with a very... Read MORE...
Meredith, New Hampshire
Strafford county, is bounded N. by Centre Harbor and Winnepisiogee lake, N.E. and E. by said lake and river, S.E. by Great bay, S. and S.W. by Sanbornton, W. and N.W. by New Hampton and Centre Harbor. This town was incorporated, in 1767, and was first called New Salem. It lies 29 miles N. from Concord and 8 N.W. from Gilford. There is in this town a pond adjoining Centre Harbor, about 2 miles long and one wide, emptying into the lake, near the village; besides this there are several smaller ponds. There is probably no town in the country more advantageously situated, or of a better soil, than Meredith. The waters of the Winnepisiogee washing the boundaries of a great part of the town, convey many heavy mercantile articles to and from almost the doors of several of the inhabitants in the summer; and in the winter, the ice serves as a level and easy road. Near the upper or N.W. part of the town, the traveller passing along the road, is presented with a very... Read MORE...
1852 - DREADFUL RAILROAD ACCIDENT - SIX LIVES LOST AND TWELVE TO SIXTEEN DANGEROUSLY INJURED.
Concord, N. H., Thursday, Oct. 7 - 8 P. M.
A terrible accident occurred to-day, on the Montreal Railroad, near the Weirs steamboat landing, by which six persons were killed and from twelve to sixteen dangerously injured. An extra train was coming from the steamboat Dover, at Meredith Village, with a large number of passengers on their way to the State Fair at Meredith Bridge. Soon after it started, a car coupling broke while on a pile bridge near the Weirs, and before the accident could be repaired another extra train from the steamer Dover ran into it, and a most heart-rending scene ensued.
Among those reported to be killed are the following:
JOHN H. SMITH, of Dover, Clerk of Strafford County Courts.
MR. ROBERTS and child, of Holderness.
MR. McDUFFEE, of Acton.
MR. EDGARLY, of Tufton Borough.
Among those dangerously injured were:
SANBORN C. CARTER, of Ossipee, Registrar of Probates in Carroll County (who is reported to have since died).
THOMAS W. MORDOUGH, ESQ., of... Read MORE...
Concord, N. H., Thursday, Oct. 7 - 8 P. M.
A terrible accident occurred to-day, on the Montreal Railroad, near the Weirs steamboat landing, by which six persons were killed and from twelve to sixteen dangerously injured. An extra train was coming from the steamboat Dover, at Meredith Village, with a large number of passengers on their way to the State Fair at Meredith Bridge. Soon after it started, a car coupling broke while on a pile bridge near the Weirs, and before the accident could be repaired another extra train from the steamer Dover ran into it, and a most heart-rending scene ensued.
Among those reported to be killed are the following:
JOHN H. SMITH, of Dover, Clerk of Strafford County Courts.
MR. ROBERTS and child, of Holderness.
MR. McDUFFEE, of Acton.
MR. EDGARLY, of Tufton Borough.
Among those dangerously injured were:
SANBORN C. CARTER, of Ossipee, Registrar of Probates in Carroll County (who is reported to have since died).
THOMAS W. MORDOUGH, ESQ., of... Read MORE...
1854 - Meredith
Meredith, a township of Belknap co.. New Hampshire, on Winnipiscogee lake, 33 miles N. from Concord, contains 1 bank. Pop., 3521.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Meredith, a township of Belknap co.. New Hampshire, on Winnipiscogee lake, 33 miles N. from Concord, contains 1 bank. Pop., 3521.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1870 - SERIOUS FIRE AT MEREDITH.
A disastrous fire occurred at Meredith Bridge, Friday, the losses by which are as follows footing up nearly $23,000: J. Smith, Jr., building and goods, $4500, insured for $2500; W. E. S. Foss, building and goods, $4000 partially insured; T. B. Nichols, saloon $2000, insured for $1200; Oliver Thompson, saloon, $2000, no insurance. G. M. Burleigh lost a carriage worth $400, no insurance, and other carriages valued at $1200. E. W. Gound, furniture, $350; no insurance. Andrew Smith, of New York, machinery, $1000; no insurance. Waukawan Mills Co., building, $1000, and Hosiery Co., $3000; probably no insurance, B. D. Plaisted & Co., damages on store, $400; insured for $1200. Other losses are small. The fire is attributed by some to ashes carelessly disposed of. The buildings were well on fire when first discovered at 3 o'clock. Some of the occupants and family narrowly escaped with their lives.
The Farmers' Cabinet
Amherst, New Hampshire
April 14, 1870
A disastrous fire occurred at Meredith Bridge, Friday, the losses by which are as follows footing up nearly $23,000: J. Smith, Jr., building and goods, $4500, insured for $2500; W. E. S. Foss, building and goods, $4000 partially insured; T. B. Nichols, saloon $2000, insured for $1200; Oliver Thompson, saloon, $2000, no insurance. G. M. Burleigh lost a carriage worth $400, no insurance, and other carriages valued at $1200. E. W. Gound, furniture, $350; no insurance. Andrew Smith, of New York, machinery, $1000; no insurance. Waukawan Mills Co., building, $1000, and Hosiery Co., $3000; probably no insurance, B. D. Plaisted & Co., damages on store, $400; insured for $1200. Other losses are small. The fire is attributed by some to ashes carelessly disposed of. The buildings were well on fire when first discovered at 3 o'clock. Some of the occupants and family narrowly escaped with their lives.
The Farmers' Cabinet
Amherst, New Hampshire
April 14, 1870
1876 - Meredith
Meredith Village “is pleasantly located at the head of the Northwest Bay of Lake Winnipesaukee, and on the BC&M Railroad. It has two churches and a savings-bank, with manufacturies of hosiery and lumber. It is nearly surrounded by the rich farming town of Meredith. The scenery in the vicinity is pretty, especially as seen from the hills of Meredith Neck, and around the beautiful island-studded Waukawan Lake.”
The White Mountains: A Handbook for Travelers by Moses Sweetser, 1876
Meredith Village “is pleasantly located at the head of the Northwest Bay of Lake Winnipesaukee, and on the BC&M Railroad. It has two churches and a savings-bank, with manufacturies of hosiery and lumber. It is nearly surrounded by the rich farming town of Meredith. The scenery in the vicinity is pretty, especially as seen from the hills of Meredith Neck, and around the beautiful island-studded Waukawan Lake.”
The White Mountains: A Handbook for Travelers by Moses Sweetser, 1876
1895 - Meredith
Meredith, a township of Belknap co., N.H. Pop. 1807. It contains Meredith Centre and Meredith Village.
Meredith Centre, a post-hamlet in Meredith town ship, Belknap co., N.H., about 30 miles N. of Concord. It has a church, a woollen-mill, a grist-mill, &c.
Meredith Village, a post-village in Meredith town ship, Belknap co, N.H., on the western shore of Winnepesaukee Lake, and on the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad, 37 miles N. of Concord. It has 3 churches, a high school, a savings-bank, a grist-mill, a manufactory of hosiery, a saw-mill, &c. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery, Pop. in 1880, 850; in 1890, 1642.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Meredith, a township of Belknap co., N.H. Pop. 1807. It contains Meredith Centre and Meredith Village.
Meredith Centre, a post-hamlet in Meredith town ship, Belknap co., N.H., about 30 miles N. of Concord. It has a church, a woollen-mill, a grist-mill, &c.
Meredith Village, a post-village in Meredith town ship, Belknap co, N.H., on the western shore of Winnepesaukee Lake, and on the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad, 37 miles N. of Concord. It has 3 churches, a high school, a savings-bank, a grist-mill, a manufactory of hosiery, a saw-mill, &c. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery, Pop. in 1880, 850; in 1890, 1642.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1906
Meredith, a post-village and township (town) of Belknap co., N.H., on the Boston and Maine R., 31 miles (direct) N. of Concord. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1713. The village is situated on the western shore of Lake Winnepesaukee and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
Meredith, a post-village and township (town) of Belknap co., N.H., on the Boston and Maine R., 31 miles (direct) N. of Concord. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1713. The village is situated on the western shore of Lake Winnepesaukee and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
Meredith has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Meredith:
Meredith Sculpture Walk:
Take a stroll through Meredith's downtown area and appreciate the outdoor art scene with the Meredith Sculpture Walk. It's a great way to enjoy art while exploring the town.
Meredith Marina:
If you're a fan of boating or just enjoy the serenity of the water, Meredith Marina is the place to be. You can rent a boat, go for a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee, or simply enjoy the view.
Moulton Farm:
For a taste of local freshness, head to Moulton Farm. You can pick your own fruits and vegetables, or explore their farm stand for locally sourced produce and goodies.
Meredith Fine Craft Gallery:
Discover the work of local artisans at the Meredith Fine Craft Gallery. From handmade jewelry to unique ceramics, this gallery showcases the talent of the region.
Castle in the Clouds:
Just a short drive from Meredith, Castle in the Clouds offers a step back in time. Explore the historic mansion and gardens while enjoying breathtaking views of Lake... Read MORE...
Meredith Sculpture Walk:
Take a stroll through Meredith's downtown area and appreciate the outdoor art scene with the Meredith Sculpture Walk. It's a great way to enjoy art while exploring the town.
Meredith Marina:
If you're a fan of boating or just enjoy the serenity of the water, Meredith Marina is the place to be. You can rent a boat, go for a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee, or simply enjoy the view.
Moulton Farm:
For a taste of local freshness, head to Moulton Farm. You can pick your own fruits and vegetables, or explore their farm stand for locally sourced produce and goodies.
Meredith Fine Craft Gallery:
Discover the work of local artisans at the Meredith Fine Craft Gallery. From handmade jewelry to unique ceramics, this gallery showcases the talent of the region.
Castle in the Clouds:
Just a short drive from Meredith, Castle in the Clouds offers a step back in time. Explore the historic mansion and gardens while enjoying breathtaking views of Lake... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Meredith Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Meredith, New Hampshire, USA
We currently have information about 18 ancestors who were born or died in Meredith.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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