Wolfeboro Historical Society Photograph Archive Boating

Lake Winnipesaukee has seen thousands of boats thru the years. Transportation across the lake began with boats powered by hand, wind, & horses, before the development of steamboats. The lake was also important in the transportation of goods, as Wolfeboro became an active manufacturing center in the 19th century. Manufacturing included the Tabor smoking pipes & blanket mill in South Wolfeboro, smaller shoe factories near downtown, & a large sawmill in Back Bay. Docking facilities were in downtown, South Wolfeboro, Back Bay & the western part of Wolfeboro Bay, originally privately owned. The area known as Dockside became Town Property in 1849 (disputed until 1925) & was filled in considerably to create the present configuration. Steamboats & the railroad were important in the development of Wolfeboro, not only for business, but as a tourist destination. Naturally, the tourists also owned boats for their own use. As autos & trucks took over the cargo & passenger functions, the boating industry changed to what exists today, private & excursion boats. The Mount Washington, & others for hire, run scenic tours, dinner/moonlight cruises, outings such as Senior Proms for schools, wedding & anniversary trips, etc.