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History of Gilford, New Hampshire, USA
Journey back in time to Gilford, New Hampshire, USA
Explore Gilford, 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 Gilford Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Gilford, Belknap, NH
Settled in 1778 and originally a part of Gilmanton, the town was first called Gunstock Parish. In 1812, Captain Lemuel B. Mason, who had fought in the 1781 Battle of Guilford Court House in North Carolina during the Revolutionary War and subsequently retired to Gunstock Parish, successfully proposed incorporation of a new town to be named Guilford after that battle. The name would later be contracted by clerical error. The original parish name is used by Gunstock Mountain and the ski resort located on it.
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Gilford Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to GILFORD

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 Gilford: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1839 - Gilford
Gilford, New Hampshire
One of the four shire towns for Strafford county, is situated on the S. side of Winnepisiogee lake. This town lies 26 miles N.N.E. from Concord and 48 N.W. from Portsmouth. The soil is generally productive. There are two ponds in this town, Little and Chattleborough. Gunstock and Mile's rivers, rising in Suncook mountains and flowing N. into the lake, are the principal streams. The N. source of the Suncook river is on the S. of these mountains, which extend in a lofty pile over the E. part of the town, from Gilmanton line nearly to the lake. There are seven islands in the lake, belonging to Gilford, one of which has been connected to the main land by a bridge 30 rods in length. This town, which was formely a part of Gilmanton, was incorporated June 16, 1812. It was settled in 1778.—Here are manufactories of cotton goods, besides other useful mills and machinery. Four bridges across the Winnepisiogee connect the town with Meredith. The village at this place is... Read MORE...
Gilford, New Hampshire
One of the four shire towns for Strafford county, is situated on the S. side of Winnepisiogee lake. This town lies 26 miles N.N.E. from Concord and 48 N.W. from Portsmouth. The soil is generally productive. There are two ponds in this town, Little and Chattleborough. Gunstock and Mile's rivers, rising in Suncook mountains and flowing N. into the lake, are the principal streams. The N. source of the Suncook river is on the S. of these mountains, which extend in a lofty pile over the E. part of the town, from Gilmanton line nearly to the lake. There are seven islands in the lake, belonging to Gilford, one of which has been connected to the main land by a bridge 30 rods in length. This town, which was formely a part of Gilmanton, was incorporated June 16, 1812. It was settled in 1778.—Here are manufactories of cotton goods, besides other useful mills and machinery. Four bridges across the Winnepisiogee connect the town with Meredith. The village at this place is... Read MORE...
1854 - Gilford
Gilford, a post-township of Belknap co., New Hampshire, 25 miles N. by E. from Concord. Population, 2425.
Gilford Village, a post-village in Belknap co., N. H., 33 miles N. from Concord.
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.
Gilford, a post-township of Belknap co., New Hampshire, 25 miles N. by E. from Concord. Population, 2425.
Gilford Village, a post-village in Belknap co., N. H., 33 miles N. from Concord.
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.
1895 - Gilford
Gilford, a township of Belknap co., N.H. It contains Gilford Village, also a part of Laconia and a part of Lake Village. It lies on Lake Winnepesaukee, and has important manufactures. Pop. 3361.
Gilford, or Gilford Village, a post-hamlet of Belknap co, N.H., in Gilford township, about 25 miles N.N.E. of Concord, and 3 miles E.N.E. of Laconia. It has 2 churches, and manufactures of hosiery, lumber, machinery, cotton goods, leather, &c.
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
Gilford, a township of Belknap co., N.H. It contains Gilford Village, also a part of Laconia and a part of Lake Village. It lies on Lake Winnepesaukee, and has important manufactures. Pop. 3361.
Gilford, or Gilford Village, a post-hamlet of Belknap co, N.H., in Gilford township, about 25 miles N.N.E. of Concord, and 3 miles E.N.E. of Laconia. It has 2 churches, and manufactures of hosiery, lumber, machinery, cotton goods, leather, &c.
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
1937 The first chair lift in the eastern United States was built at Belknap Recreational Area in Gilford
www.nhhistory.org
www.nhhistory.org
1960 The first American to win an Olympic downhill skiing medal was 21-year-old Penny Pitou of Gilford, who earned silver medals in both downhill and giant slalom
www.nhhistory.org
www.nhhistory.org
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Gilford, New Hampshire:
Lake Winnipesaukee: Start your Gilford adventure at the renowned Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire. It's a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, offering boating, fishing, swimming, and jet skiing. You can also take a relaxing cruise on the lake to enjoy the picturesque scenery.
Weirs Beach: Weirs Beach is a popular spot on Lake Winnipesaukee, known for its sandy shores and lively atmosphere. It's a great place to soak up the sun, play beach volleyball, or enjoy a picnic with friends and family. The beach is also home to a variety of restaurants and arcades.
Gunstock Mountain Resort: This year-round resort offers a plethora of activities. In the summer, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining. In the winter, it transforms into a skiing and snowboarding destination. The mountain's panoramic views make it worth a visit regardless of the season.
Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion: If you're a music lover, don't miss the chance to catch a live... Read MORE...
Lake Winnipesaukee: Start your Gilford adventure at the renowned Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire. It's a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, offering boating, fishing, swimming, and jet skiing. You can also take a relaxing cruise on the lake to enjoy the picturesque scenery.
Weirs Beach: Weirs Beach is a popular spot on Lake Winnipesaukee, known for its sandy shores and lively atmosphere. It's a great place to soak up the sun, play beach volleyball, or enjoy a picnic with friends and family. The beach is also home to a variety of restaurants and arcades.
Gunstock Mountain Resort: This year-round resort offers a plethora of activities. In the summer, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining. In the winter, it transforms into a skiing and snowboarding destination. The mountain's panoramic views make it worth a visit regardless of the season.
Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion: If you're a music lover, don't miss the chance to catch a live... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Gilford Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Gilford, New Hampshire, USA
We currently have information about 9 ancestors who were born or died in Gilford.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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