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History of Sunapee, New Hampshire, USA
Journey back in time to Sunapee, New Hampshire, USA
(Saville) (Corey's Town) (Wendell)
Explore Sunapee, 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 Sunapee Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Like many other towns, this one went through name changes before its incorporation in 1781, including "Saville" in 1768, "Corey's Town", and then "Wendell", after John Wendell, a Masonian Proprietor. A village at the western edge of town and a marsh near Sunapee Middle-High School still bear Wendell's name. The name "Sunapee" was substituted for "Wendell" by the legislature in 1850.
The town is home to part of Lake Sunapee and includes the villages of:
Sunapee
Burkehaven
Fernwood
Georges Mills
Granliden
Wendell
Explore even more about Sunapee, New Hampshire, USA. Keep reading!
Sunapee Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to SUNAPEE

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.

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Discover Sunapee: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1839 - Wendell
Wendell, New Hampshire
Sullivan county, is bounded N. by Springfield, E. by Sunapee lake, separating it from New London and Newbury, S. by Goshen, W. by Newport and Croydon. It is 35 miles N.W. from Concord and 7 E. from Newport. A considerable part of lake Sunapee, a noble sheet of water, lies in this town. The surface of this lake is said to contain 4,095 acres, of which 2,720 acres are in Wendell. Here is the principal source of Sugar river, which flows from the lake near its centre from north to south; passes through the centre of the town into Newport, from thence into Claremont, where it unites with the Connecticut. There are three small ponds, containing an area of about 300 acres. This town was granted by the name of Saville in 1768. It was settled in 1772, and was incorporated in 1781, when it received its name from John Wendell, one of the principal proprietors. Population, 1830, 637.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
Wendell, New Hampshire
Sullivan county, is bounded N. by Springfield, E. by Sunapee lake, separating it from New London and Newbury, S. by Goshen, W. by Newport and Croydon. It is 35 miles N.W. from Concord and 7 E. from Newport. A considerable part of lake Sunapee, a noble sheet of water, lies in this town. The surface of this lake is said to contain 4,095 acres, of which 2,720 acres are in Wendell. Here is the principal source of Sugar river, which flows from the lake near its centre from north to south; passes through the centre of the town into Newport, from thence into Claremont, where it unites with the Connecticut. There are three small ponds, containing an area of about 300 acres. This town was granted by the name of Saville in 1768. It was settled in 1772, and was incorporated in 1781, when it received its name from John Wendell, one of the principal proprietors. Population, 1830, 637.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
1854 - Wendell
WENDELL, a post - township in Sullivan co., New Hampshire, 33 miles N. W. from Concord. Population, 789.
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.
WENDELL, a post - township in Sullivan co., New Hampshire, 33 miles N. W. from Concord. Population, 789.
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 - Sunapee
Sun'apee, a post - village in Sunapee township, Sullivan co., N.H., on the W. shore of Sunapee Lake, 40 miles W.N.W. of Concord, and about 2 miles N. of Sunapee Station of the Concord & Claremont Railroad. It contains 3 churches, a hotel, a foundry, a machine-shop, 2 saw-mills, a grist-mill, a tannery , and manufactures of hames, threshing-machines, & c. Pop. of the township, S08. Sunapee Station is 3 miles E. of Newport.
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
Sun'apee, a post - village in Sunapee township, Sullivan co., N.H., on the W. shore of Sunapee Lake, 40 miles W.N.W. of Concord, and about 2 miles N. of Sunapee Station of the Concord & Claremont Railroad. It contains 3 churches, a hotel, a foundry, a machine-shop, 2 saw-mills, a grist-mill, a tannery , and manufactures of hames, threshing-machines, & c. Pop. of the township, S08. Sunapee Station is 3 miles E. of Newport.
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
Here's a list of things to do and places to visit in Sunapee, New Hampshire:
Lake Sunapee: The centerpiece of the region, Lake Sunapee is a pristine and crystal-clear lake that's perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or boats to explore the lake's many coves and islands. Sunapee Harbor is a popular starting point for lake adventures.
Sunapee Harbor: This charming waterfront area is a hub of activity during the summer months. Stroll along the harbor's boardwalk, enjoy lakeside dining at one of the restaurants, browse the boutique shops, and check out the Sunapee Historical Society's museum.
Mount Sunapee State Park: If you're into outdoor activities, you'll love Mount Sunapee State Park. In the winter, it's a ski resort with excellent downhill skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, it transforms into a hiking and mountain biking paradise, with numerous trails and breathtaking views from the summit.
Sunapee Cruises: Enjoy a scenic boat tour of Lake Sunapee aboard the MV Kearsarge. You can opt for a narrated... Read MORE...
Lake Sunapee: The centerpiece of the region, Lake Sunapee is a pristine and crystal-clear lake that's perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or boats to explore the lake's many coves and islands. Sunapee Harbor is a popular starting point for lake adventures.
Sunapee Harbor: This charming waterfront area is a hub of activity during the summer months. Stroll along the harbor's boardwalk, enjoy lakeside dining at one of the restaurants, browse the boutique shops, and check out the Sunapee Historical Society's museum.
Mount Sunapee State Park: If you're into outdoor activities, you'll love Mount Sunapee State Park. In the winter, it's a ski resort with excellent downhill skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, it transforms into a hiking and mountain biking paradise, with numerous trails and breathtaking views from the summit.
Sunapee Cruises: Enjoy a scenic boat tour of Lake Sunapee aboard the MV Kearsarge. You can opt for a narrated... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Sunapee Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Sunapee, New Hampshire, USA
We currently have information about 5 ancestors who were born or died in Sunapee.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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