New London, New Hampshire
Encyclopedia
New London is a town in Merrimack County
, New Hampshire
, United States
. The population was 4,397 at the 2010 census.
The town center, where 1,415 people resided at the 2010 census, is defined as the New London census-designated place
(CDP), and is located on a hilltop along New Hampshire Route 114
north of Route 11
and Interstate 89
.
, granted the area now called New London as "Heidelberg". Although it appears on some New Hampshire maps, the township was never settled, and the 1753 grant lapsed into default.
In 1773, roughly the same area was awarded as the "Alexandria Addition" to a new group of speculators, who had previously been granted the adjacent township of Alexandria
. These proprietors were led by Jonas Minot of Concord, Massachusetts
, but the others were Scotch-Irish immigrants living in Londonderry, New Hampshire
. None built dwellings in the Alexandria Addition. Instead they recruited settlers to build roads, mills, schools, and a church—all increasing the value of their land holdings. Nearly all of the original settlers came from Massachusetts, either from the Amesbury
area of the north shore or from the Attleboro
area in the southeast. The township proprietors soon began a long, systematic process of subdividing and selling their properties at great profit.
By 1779, there were sixteen families recorded within the bounds of the Alexandria Addition, and they petitioned the General Court to incorporate as the town of "New London" -- officially named after London
, England, but perhaps also an acknowledgement of the Londonderry-based proprietors. The first town meeting was held on August 3, 1779.
In 1807, the northern half of New London was annexed, merged with an area called "Kearsarge Gore", and then incorporated as the town of Wilmot, New Hampshire
. In the early 19th century, there were three small additions to New London, including the village of Otterville in 1817.
, the town has a total area of 25.6 square miles (66.3 km²), of which 22.5 sq mi (58.3 km²) is land and 3.1 sq mi (8 km²) is water, comprising 12.04% of the town. The highest point in town is Morgan Hill, approximately 1770 feet (539.5 m) above sea level
.
The town is crossed by Interstate 89
, which serves New London with two exits, by New Hampshire Route 11
, and by New Hampshire Route 114
.
of 2000, there were 4,116 people, 1,574 households, and 1,051 families residing in the town. The population density
was 182.9 people per square mile (70.6/km²). There were 2,085 housing units at an average density of 92.6 per square mile (35.8/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 98.35% White, 0.22% African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.73% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.19% from other races
, and 0.44% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.63% of the population.
There were 1,574 households out of which 19.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were married couples
living together, 5.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 29.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.63.
In the town the population was spread out with 14.3% under the age of 18, 18.4% from 18 to 24, 14.5% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 29.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females there were 78.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 73.7 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $61,520, and the median income for a family was $82,201. Males had a median income of $51,506 versus $33,984 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $37,556. About 1.5% of families and 2.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.4% of those under age 18 and 1.5% of those age 65 or over.
Merrimack County, New Hampshire
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 136,225 people, 51,843 households, and 35,460 families residing in the county. The population density was 146 people per square mile . There were 56,244 housing units at an average density of 60 per square mile...
, New Hampshire
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 4,397 at the 2010 census.
The town center, where 1,415 people resided at the 2010 census, is defined as the New London census-designated place
Census-designated place
A census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages...
(CDP), and is located on a hilltop along New Hampshire Route 114
New Hampshire Route 114
New Hampshire Route 114 is a long secondary north–south highway in central New Hampshire. The highway runs between Bedford, in Hillsborough County and Grantham, in Sullivan County....
north of Route 11
New Hampshire Route 11
New Hampshire Route 11 is a long east–west state highway in New Hampshire, running westward along the southern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. Its eastern terminus is at the Maine state line in the city of Rochester, where it continues north as Maine State Route 11. U.S. Route 202, which runs...
and Interstate 89
Interstate 89
Interstate 89 is an interstate highway in the New England region of the United States travelling between Bow, New Hampshire and Highgate Springs, Vermont. As with all odd-numbered primary interstates, I-89 is signed as a north–south highway...
.
History
In 1753, the Masonian Proprietors of Portsmouth, New HampshirePortsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a city in Rockingham County, New Hampshire in the United States. It is the largest city but only the fourth-largest community in the county, with a population of 21,233 at the 2010 census...
, granted the area now called New London as "Heidelberg". Although it appears on some New Hampshire maps, the township was never settled, and the 1753 grant lapsed into default.
In 1773, roughly the same area was awarded as the "Alexandria Addition" to a new group of speculators, who had previously been granted the adjacent township of Alexandria
Alexandria, New Hampshire
Alexandria is a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 1,613 at the 2010 census. Newfound Lake is in the northeast corner, with Wellington State Park on the western shore. The town is home to Welton Falls State Forest. Cardigan State Park, with Mount Cardigan,...
. These proprietors were led by Jonas Minot of Concord, Massachusetts
Concord, Massachusetts
Concord is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the town population was 17,668. Although a small town, Concord is noted for its leading roles in American history and literature.-History:...
, but the others were Scotch-Irish immigrants living in Londonderry, New Hampshire
Londonderry, New Hampshire
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 23,236 people, 7,623 households, and 6,319 families residing in the town. The population density was 555.8 people per square mile . There were 7,718 housing units at an average density of 184.6 per square mile...
. None built dwellings in the Alexandria Addition. Instead they recruited settlers to build roads, mills, schools, and a church—all increasing the value of their land holdings. Nearly all of the original settlers came from Massachusetts, either from the Amesbury
Amesbury, Massachusetts
Amesbury is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. Though it officially became a city in 1996, its formal name remains "The Town of Amesbury." In 1890, 9798 people lived in Amesbury; in 1900, 9473; in 1910, 9894; in 1920, 10,036; and in 1940, 10,862. The population was 16,283 at...
area of the north shore or from the Attleboro
Attleboro, Massachusetts
Attleboro is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States and is immediately north of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Once known as "The Jewelry Capital of the World" for its many jewelry manufacturers, Attleboro had a population of 42,068 at the 2000 census, and a population of 43,645 as of...
area in the southeast. The township proprietors soon began a long, systematic process of subdividing and selling their properties at great profit.
By 1779, there were sixteen families recorded within the bounds of the Alexandria Addition, and they petitioned the General Court to incorporate as the town of "New London" -- officially named after London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, England, but perhaps also an acknowledgement of the Londonderry-based proprietors. The first town meeting was held on August 3, 1779.
In 1807, the northern half of New London was annexed, merged with an area called "Kearsarge Gore", and then incorporated as the town of Wilmot, New Hampshire
Wilmot, New Hampshire
Wilmot is a town in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 1,358 at the 2010 census. Wilmot is home to Winslow State Park and a small part of Gile State Forest.-History:...
. In the early 19th century, there were three small additions to New London, including the village of Otterville in 1817.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 25.6 square miles (66.3 km²), of which 22.5 sq mi (58.3 km²) is land and 3.1 sq mi (8 km²) is water, comprising 12.04% of the town. The highest point in town is Morgan Hill, approximately 1770 feet (539.5 m) above sea level
Sea level
Mean sea level is a measure of the average height of the ocean's surface ; used as a standard in reckoning land elevation...
.
The town is crossed by Interstate 89
Interstate 89
Interstate 89 is an interstate highway in the New England region of the United States travelling between Bow, New Hampshire and Highgate Springs, Vermont. As with all odd-numbered primary interstates, I-89 is signed as a north–south highway...
, which serves New London with two exits, by New Hampshire Route 11
New Hampshire Route 11
New Hampshire Route 11 is a long east–west state highway in New Hampshire, running westward along the southern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. Its eastern terminus is at the Maine state line in the city of Rochester, where it continues north as Maine State Route 11. U.S. Route 202, which runs...
, and by New Hampshire Route 114
New Hampshire Route 114
New Hampshire Route 114 is a long secondary north–south highway in central New Hampshire. The highway runs between Bedford, in Hillsborough County and Grantham, in Sullivan County....
.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 4,116 people, 1,574 households, and 1,051 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 182.9 people per square mile (70.6/km²). There were 2,085 housing units at an average density of 92.6 per square mile (35.8/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 98.35% White, 0.22% African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.73% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.19% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.44% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.63% of the population.
There were 1,574 households out of which 19.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 5.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 29.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.63.
In the town the population was spread out with 14.3% under the age of 18, 18.4% from 18 to 24, 14.5% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 29.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females there were 78.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 73.7 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $61,520, and the median income for a family was $82,201. Males had a median income of $51,506 versus $33,984 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $37,556. About 1.5% of families and 2.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.4% of those under age 18 and 1.5% of those age 65 or over.
Sites of interest
- Colby-Sawyer CollegeColby-Sawyer CollegeColby–Sawyer College is a private, comprehensive baccalaureate college situated on a campus in New London, in the Lake Sunapee region of New Hampshire, founded as a coeducational academy in 1837.- New London Academy :...
:
A small liberal arts school that includes a gym open to the public. - New London Outing Club:
The NLOC is a non-profit run and funded by volunteers. The park includes multiple outdoor tennis courts, a basketball court, soccer fields, youth baseball fields, and a bocce court. There is also a slide and some other diversions for young children. - Mountainside Racquet and Fitness Center:
This facility has a workout center and three indoor tennis courts. - Twin Lake Villa Golf Course:
A nine hole par 27 course. The complex also includes some residences to rent and other tourist attractions like lake access. - Lake Sunapee Country Club:
An 18 hole golf course. - Little Lake SunapeeLittle Sunapee LakeLittle Sunapee Lake is a water body located primarily in Merrimack County in central New Hampshire, United States, in the town of New London...
:
A clean, small lake with public and private beaches. Bucklin Beach allows parking in its lot only by town residents. - Pleasant LakePleasant Lake (New London, New Hampshire)Pleasant Lake is a lake located in Merrimack County in central New Hampshire, United States, in the town of New London. The village of Elkins is located at the east end of the lake, next to its outlet...
:
Features public beach access from ElkinsElkins, New HampshireElkins is a small village in New London, Merrimack County, New Hampshire, United States. It is situated at the east end of Pleasant Lake. It is home to a public beach, gas station, auto repair garage, post office, church, and veterinarian office....
Beach. Fireworks on the Fourth of July. - Mount Kearsarge:
The mountain occupies the towns of WarnerWarner, New HampshireWarner is a town in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 2,833 at the 2010 census. The town is home to The College of Saint Mary Magdalen, Rollins State Park and Mount Kearsarge State Forest....
and WilmotWilmot, New HampshireWilmot is a town in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 1,358 at the 2010 census. Wilmot is home to Winslow State Park and a small part of Gile State Forest.-History:...
, both close to New London. The Wilmot trailhead is a 15 minute drive away, and the trip from the park to the summit is about 1 mile. - Mount SunapeeMount SunapeeMount Sunapee is a -long mountain ridge in the towns of Newbury and Goshen in western New Hampshire. Its highest peak, at the north end of the mountain, is above sea level. The mountain has three secondary peaks, White Ledges at ; North Peak at ; and South Peak at...
:
Also located in the surrounding towns. The King Ridge Ski Area went out of business in 1995. Mount Sunapee ResortMount Sunapee Resort-History:Mount Sunapee's history as a ski area dates back to as early as 1940, when in response to the success of a tram at Cannon Mountain a survey was made for a similar tram on Mount Sunapee. The following year, the state of New Hampshire passed the Mt...
is about 20 minutes from town and provides skiing and riding in the winter. - Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway:
This 75-mile "green necklace" hiking trail crosses the summits of the region's three primary peaks while circling through 10 towns, three state parks, three state forests and many scenic vistas and lowlands. - Shopping:
There is a Hannaford supermarket in town and a variety of smaller stores including Morgan Hill Book store, clothing stores, Colonial Pharmacy, and Spring Ledge Farm. - Park and Ride:
Located just off of I-89 (exit 12 heading northbound) is a free lot that provides carpool possibilities. Dartmouth Coach makes regular stops here on its route to Boston. - New London Town Green:
Friday nights during the summer there are free concerts here. The first weekend in August is Hospital Day, featuring a small carnival, a parade, and a triathlon to help raise money for the local hospital. - New London Barn Playhouse:
Showing plays and musicals, a summer stock theatreSummer stock theatreSummer stock theatre is any theatre that presents stage productions only in the summer within the United States. The name combines both the seasonal time of year with the tradition of staging shows by a resident company, reusing stock scenery and costumes...
. - New London Historical Society:
Guided tours of its carriage and sleigh museum and its 19th century village depicting rural New England life. - WFK Ice House:
An extensive collection of antique cars and New London memorabilia gathered by William F. Kidder and now on public display at The Ice House. - Other:
New London Hospital has an emergency room and an ambulance. There are two gas stations in town with the hours generally running from 6 AM to 10 PM.