History of Laconia, New Hampshire, USA

1854 - Weir's Bridge
WEIR'S BRIDGE, a post - village and watering place of Belknap county, New Hampshire, on Lake Winnipiseogee, on the Boston, Concord, and Montreal railroad, 30 miles N. E. 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 - Laconia
Laconia, a post-town, capital of Belknap co., N.H., on the Winnepesaukee River, near Lake Winnesquam, and on the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad, 27 miles N. by E. of Concord. It has a high school, 5 churches, 2 national and 2 savings-banks, 3 newspaper offices, and extensive manufactures of hosiery, yarn, railroad-cars, woollen goods, machinery, sash and blinds, &c. Six miles distant is Mount Belknap, which is about 3000 feet high. Pop. in 1880, 3790; in 1890, 6143.
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

1900 - GUTTED BY FIRE.
Laconia, N. H., June 24. - The Central block on Main street, occupied by a number of firms, was gutted by fire tonight, causing a loss fully $56,000. The insurance on building and contents is about $33,000. The fire caught in a drug store, probably from spontaneous combustion.
Portsmouth Herald
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
June 25, 1900

1903 - FIRE LEFT HUNDREDS HOMELESS
Laconia, N. H., May 27. According to latest reports nearly 100 buildings were burned, 650 persons are homless{sic} and a loss of between $350,000 and $400,000 has been caused by the fire in the Lakeport section, the area burned over being about 150 acres. The fire started in the H. H. Wood hosiery mill. The flames spread quickly, and in a very short time, under the influence of a brisk southeast wind, the entire structure was burning. The city fire department was helpless to stay the progress of the flames and the destruction went on until the fire actually burned itself out for want of material.
The Evening News
San Jose, California
May 27, 1903

Let's take a look at some of the best places to go and things to do in Laconia:
Lake Winnipesaukee: The biggest draw of Laconia is undoubtedly Lake Winnipesaukee. This massive, crystal-clear lake is perfect for all sorts of water activities. You can swim, kayak, paddleboard, or rent a boat to explore the 72 square miles of water. There are plenty of public beaches, like Weirs Beach and Opechee Park, where you can soak up the sun.

Weirs Beach: This is one of the most popular spots on Lake Winnipesaukee. It features a boardwalk with arcades, restaurants, and shops. You can also take a ride on the historic MS Mount Washington cruise ship for stunning views of the lake.

Gunstock Mountain Resort: If you're visiting in the winter or looking for outdoor adventures year-round, Gunstock Mountain Resort is the place to be. In the colder months, it's a top-notch ski destination with trails for all skill levels. During the summer, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and even zip-lining.

Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion: This open-air amphitheater hosts big-name... Read MORE...