The History of North Conway, New Hampshire

The history of North Conway, New Hampshire is closely linked to its geography. It's location on the Saco River in the center of Mount Washington Valley in the beautiful White Mountains has played a vital role in its history. The mountains attract skiers, artists, tourists and rock climbers, while the valley has provided a transportation route to the mountains.

The mountains were feared by its earliest known inhabitants, the Pequawkets, who were Eastern Abenaki Indians. By 1765 when North Conway was chartered by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth, 95% of the Eastern Abenakis had been wiped out by disease. Early settlers retained a connection with the former Abenaki residents by calling the area "Pequawket," although it was often referred to as "Pigwacket",

Governor Wentworth was involved in many land deals and often named towns after important people to gain their financial support. The town of North Conway was named for Henry Seymour Conway, who was elected to Parliament at the age of twenty and fought at the Battle of Culloden, the last major land battle on England's mainland. Following the American Revolution, North Conway's history paralleled that of many small New England villages. Farmers, artisans and shop owners made up most of its inhabitants.

The coming of the Portsmouth, Great Falls & Conway Railroad in 1872 made it much easier for people to travel to and from the village. This was the beginning of North Conway's history as a place for tourists to enjoy, and artists to paint, the beauty of the Saco River and the surrounding mountains. In 1874, the railroad invested more deeply in North Conway's future when it built a magnificent depot in the Second Empire style.

In 1932, North Conway's geography became a larger part of its history when the village became the "birthplace of American skiing." The beautiful and steep White Mountains attracted skiing enthusiasts. The Portsmouth, Great Falls & Conway Railroad made it easier for skiers to get to the mountains by running "snow trains" to North Conway.

As in much of rural America, the train was eventually replaced by the automobile, but that did not stop people from coming to North Conway. The attraction of the mountains still remained. Although still a small village of little more than 2,000 people, North Conway remains a magnet, drawing both tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

As long as the White Mountains remain standing and are kept pristine, North Conway's history will be found in its geography, and its future will be found in its past.