Gilford Community
From Sunshine Review
Gilford was first settled in approximately 1777, when it was still considered the “Gunstock parish” or “upper parish” section of the Town of Gilmanton. In 1812, the Town of Gilford was incorporated into a separate town. The privilege of naming the town was afforded to Captain Lemuel F. Gilman, the oldest and most famous citizen. A veteran of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, Captain Gilman named the town “Guilford” after the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, a decisive Revolutionary War battle in North Carolina in which he fought. The town was spelled incorrectly in the incorporation documents, resulting in the present spelling of Gilford. Gilford remains the only community in New Hampshire named after a Revolutionary War battle.
The community’s roots are firmly embedded in agriculture and it remained the primary pursuit throughout the 19th century. Nevertheless, other industries flourished over the years, including blacksmiths, cobblers, brickworks, a cooperage and sawmills. Gilford’s first sawmill opened in 1788, followed by others in 1825 and 1890. The ensuing years brought diversified businesses, such as mills, general stores, furniture makers, tanneries and even a short-lived silk-making operation.
The advent of the Lake Shore Railroad marked the beginning of summer tourists to Gilford. Many local farms accommodated summer boarders to supplement their income and, in 1843, a group of enterprising farmers from the Intervale even produced a tourist brochure! By 1895, island properties were being actively marketed for seasonal use.
Current Population
Total Population Community County
2006 7,453 61,562 2000 6,836 56,576 1990 6,016 49,294 1980 4,841 42,884 1970 3,219 32,367
Per capita income $32,667 Median 4-person family income $56,554 Median household income $48,658
Median Earnings, full-time, year-round workers
Male $38,839
Female $27,325
Families below the poverty level 2.2%
Information from the State of New Hampshire
