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Coordinates: 43°35′28″N 71°44′12″W / 43.59111°N 71.73667°W / 43.59111; -71.73667
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{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Bristol, New Hampshire
|official_name = Bristol, New Hampshire
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|subdivision_name2 = [[Grafton County, New Hampshire|Grafton]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Grafton County, New Hampshire|Grafton]]
|government_type =
|government_type =
|leader_title = [[Board of Selectmen]]
|leader_title = [[Select Board]]
|leader_name = Wayne Anderson, Chair<br>Don Milbrand<br>Leslie Dion<br>JP Morrison<br>Anita Avery
|leader_name = {{ubl|Rob Glassett, Chair|Don Milbrand|Leslie Dion|Carroll Brown Jr.|Scott Sanschagrin}}
|leader_title1 = Town Administrator
|leader_title1 = Town Administrator
|leader_name1 = Nicholas Coates
|leader_name1 = Christina Goodwin
|established_title = [[Incorporation (municipal government)|Incorporated]]
|established_title = [[Incorporation (municipal government)|Incorporated]]
|established_date = 1819
|established_date = 1819
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2021">{{cite web |title=2021 U.S. Gazetteer Files – New Hampshire |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2021_Gazetteer/2021_gaz_cousubs_33.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=November 19, 2021}}</ref>
|area_magnitude = 1 E8
|area_total_km2 = 57.9
|area_total_km2 = 56.8
|area_total_sq_mi =
|area_total_sq_mi =
|area_land_km2 = 44.3
|area_land_km2 = 43.4
|area_land_sq_mi =
|area_land_sq_mi =
|area_water_km2 = 13.6
|area_water_km2 = 13.4
|area_water_sq_mi =
|area_water_sq_mi =
|area_water_percent = 23.43
|area_water_percent = 23.60
|population_as_of = 2010
|population_as_of = 2020
|population_footnotes = <ref name="Census 2020">{{Cite web| url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=&g=0600000US3300907700&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P1| title=Bristol town, Grafton County, New Hampshire: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| access-date=November 19, 2021}}</ref>
|population_note =
|population_total = 3054
|population_total = 3244
|population_density_km2 = auto
|population_density_km2 = 74.8
|population_density_sq_mi =
|population_density_sq_mi =
|timezone = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|Eastern]]
|timezone = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|Eastern]]
Line 58: Line 59:
|footnotes =
|footnotes =
}}
}}
'''Bristol''' is a town in [[Grafton County, New Hampshire|Grafton County]], [[New Hampshire]], United States. The population was 3,054 at the 2010 census.<ref name=2010Census>United States Census Bureau, [https://www.census.gov American FactFinder], 2010 Census figures. Retrieved March 23, 2011.</ref> It is home to [[Wellington State Park]], Sugar Hill State Forest, and Profile Falls on the [[Smith River (Pemigewasset River)|Smith River]]. Surrounded by hills and lakes, Bristol includes the lower two-thirds of [[Newfound Lake]], a resort area.
'''Bristol''' is a [[New England town|town]] in [[Grafton County, New Hampshire|Grafton County]], [[New Hampshire]], United States. The population was 3,244 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref name="Census 2020"/> It is home to [[Wellington State Park]], Sugar Hill State Forest, and Profile Falls on the [[Smith River (Pemigewasset River)|Smith River]]. Surrounded by hills and lakes, Bristol includes the lower two-thirds of [[Newfound Lake]], a resort area.


The primary settlement in town, where 1,688 people resided at the 2010 census,<ref name=2010Census/> is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as the [[Bristol (CDP), New Hampshire|Bristol census-designated place]] (CDP) and is located at the intersection of New Hampshire routes [[New Hampshire Route 3A|3A]] and [[New Hampshire Route 104|104]].
The primary settlement in town, where 1,911 people resided at the 2020 census, is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as the [[Bristol (CDP), New Hampshire|Bristol census-designated place]] (CDP) and is located at the intersection of New Hampshire routes [[New Hampshire Route 3A|3A]] and [[New Hampshire Route 104|104]].


==History==
==History==
⚫
Bristol was taken from [[Bridgewater, New Hampshire|Bridgewater]] and New Chester (now [[Hill, New Hampshire|Hill]]) and incorporated 24 June 1819. Colonel Peter Sleeper, Benjamin Emmons, and others commenced a settlement here in 1770.<ref name="1875Bristol" />


⚫
Bristol was taken from [[Bridgewater, New Hampshire|Bridgewater]] and New Chester (now [[Hill, New Hampshire|Hill]]) and incorporated June 24, 1819. Colonel Peter Sleeper, Benjamin Emmons, and others commenced a settlement here in 1770.<ref name="1875Bristol" />
⚫
Extensive deposits of fine [[sand]] or [[clay]] similar to the "Bristol Sand" used in [[Bristol]], England, to make [[Porcelain|fine china]] and [[pottery]] gave the town its name. Here the sand was used to make a superior quality [[brick]], marketed as Bristol brick. With [[water power]] from the [[Pemigewasset River]], the town was a center of manufacturing in the early days for goods such as [[paper]], [[leather]], [[woolen]]s, [[flannel]], [[bedstead]]s and piano stools.<ref name=Coolidge>{{Cite book| last=Coolidge| first=Austin J.|author2=John B. Mansfield| title=A History and Description of New England| publisher=A.J. Coolidge| year=1859| location=Boston, Massachusetts| pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_OcoMAAAAYAAJ/page/n467 429]–430| url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_OcoMAAAAYAAJ| quote=coolidge mansfield history description new england 1859.}}</ref>


⚫
Extensive deposits of fine [[sand]] or [[clay]] similar to the "Bristol Sand" used in [[Bristol]], England, to make [[Porcelain|fine china]] and [[pottery]] gave the town its name. <ref name="New Hampshire Employment Security - Community Profile">[https://www2.nhes.nh.gov/GraniteStats/SessionServlet?page=Community.jsp&SID=1&city=000507&cityName=Bristol ''NHES Community Profile - Bristol, NH'' (1875)]</ref> Here the sand was used to make a superior quality [[brick]], marketed as Bristol brick. With [[water power]] from the [[Newfound River (New Hampshire)|Newfound River]], the town was a center of manufacturing in the early days for goods such as [[paper]], [[leather]], [[woolen]]s, [[flannel]], [[bedstead]]s and piano stools.<ref name=Coolidge>{{Cite book| last=Coolidge| first=Austin J.|author2=John B. Mansfield| title=A History and Description of New England| publisher=A.J. Coolidge| year=1859| location=Boston, Massachusetts| pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_OcoMAAAAYAAJ/page/n467 429]–430| url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_OcoMAAAAYAAJ| quote=coolidge mansfield history description new england 1859.}}</ref>
⚫
On January 16, 1884, the town of Bristol voted to accept the gift of a library building and land from Josiah Minot and Solomon Sleeper and to manage and maintain a public library. The [[Minot–Sleeper Library]] became the first building erected to specifically house a public library in the Lakes Region at the time, when it was officially opened to the community in 1885. On August 15, 2012, a groundbreaking ceremony was held in celebration of the library's expansion. In February 2013, the new addition was ready for use.

⚫
On January 16, 1884, the town of Bristol voted to accept the gift of a library building and land from Josiah Minot and Solomon Sleeper and to manage and maintain a public library. The [[Minot–Sleeper Library]] became the first building erected to specifically house a public library in the [[Lakes Region (New Hampshire)|Lakes Region]] at the time, when it was officially opened to the community in 1885. On August 15, 2012, a groundbreaking ceremony was held in celebration of the library's expansion. In February 2013, the new addition was ready for use.


Bristol is one of four towns with shoreline on Newfound Lake, which has been a tourist destination since the mid-19th century. Farmers at first rented rooms and provided meals, but in the 1870s, hotels including the Hotel Bristol and G. G. Brown Hotel were built. In 1874, Bristol was the terminus of the Franklin and Bristol Branch railroad. The New Hampshire Central Railroad was planned to pass through Bristol.<ref name="1875Bristol">[http://gedcomindex.com/Reference/New_Hampshire_1875/077.html Article in ''Statistics and Gazetteer of New-Hampshire'' (1875)]</ref> In the 1920s, W. F. Darling created a compound of about one hundred cottages for rent, first known as Hiland Park and later as Bungalo Village. In 2004, the compound was sold to a proprietor who sold individual cottages to permanent owners.{{Citation needed|date=March 2012}}
Bristol is one of four towns with shoreline on Newfound Lake, which has been a tourist destination since the mid-19th century. Farmers at first rented rooms and provided meals, but in the 1870s, hotels including the Hotel Bristol and G. G. Brown Hotel were built. In 1874, Bristol was the terminus of the Franklin and Bristol Branch railroad. The New Hampshire Central Railroad was planned to pass through Bristol.<ref name="1875Bristol">[http://gedcomindex.com/Reference/New_Hampshire_1875/077.html Article in ''Statistics and Gazetteer of New-Hampshire'' (1875)]</ref> In the 1920s, W. F. Darling created a compound of about one hundred cottages for rent, first known as Hiland Park and later as Bungalo Village. In 2004, the compound was sold to a proprietor who sold individual cottages to permanent owners.{{Citation needed|date=March 2012}}
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Image:View of Central Square, Bristol, NH.jpg|Central Square in 1906
Image:View of Central Square, Bristol, NH.jpg|Central Square in 1906
Image:Sugar Loaf Ledges, Newfound Lake.jpg|The Ledges in 1912
Image:Sugar Loaf Ledges, Newfound Lake.jpg|The Ledges in 1912
Image:Minot-Sleeper Library, Bristol, NH.jpg|Minot–Sleeper Library c. 1910
Image:Minot-Sleeper Library, Bristol, NH.jpg|Minot–Sleeper Library {{circa|1910}}
</gallery>
</gallery>
In 2022, Bristol inaugurated a new solar array. Local media highlighted the array in the context of town's energy independence, which dated from the 1800s when hydropower provided all the town's energy.<ref>{{Cite news| last=Enstrom| first=Kirk| title=With activation of solar array, town of Bristol returns to its renewable roots| url=https://www.wmur.com/article/solar-array-bristol-renewable-energy/40944653| website=[[WMUR-TV]]|date = August 19, 2022|access-date = November 19, 2022}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
[[File:Bristol, Grafton County, N.H. 1884 (4587186514).jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|1884 bird's-eye view of Bristol]]
[[File:Bristol, Grafton County, N.H. 1884 (4587186514).jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|1884 bird's-eye view of Bristol]]
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|22.4|sqmi|1}}, of which {{convert|17.1|sqmi|1}} is land and {{convert|5.3|sqmi|1}} is water, comprising 23.43% of the town.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001) - Bristol town, New Hampshire |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=November 10, 2011 }}</ref> Bristol is drained by the [[Pemigewasset River]] (forming the southeastern boundary of the town), the [[Smith River (Pemigewasset River)|Smith River]] (on the town's short southern boundary) and the [[Newfound River (New Hampshire)|Newfound River]], draining Newfound Lake and most of the center of town. The highest point in town is Bristol Peak, elevation {{convert|1803|ft|m}} above [[sea level]]. Bristol lies fully within the [[Merrimack River]] [[Drainage basin|watershed]].<ref name=watershed>{{cite book |title=Water Use in New Hampshire: An Activities Guide for Teachers |url=http://nh.water.usgs.gov/Publications/nh.intro.html |last=Foster |first=Debra H. |author2=Batorfalvy, Tatianna N.|author3= Medalie, Laura |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Geological Survey |year=1995}}</ref>
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|56.8|sqkm|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|43.4|sqkm|order=flip}} are land and {{convert|13.4|sqkm|order=flip}} are water, comprising 23.60% of the town.<ref name="CenPopGazetteer2021"/> Bristol is drained by the [[Pemigewasset River]] (forming the southeastern boundary of the town), the [[Smith River (Pemigewasset River tributary)|Smith River]] (on the town's short southern boundary) and the [[Newfound River (New Hampshire)|Newfound River]], draining Newfound Lake and most of the center of town. The highest point in town is Bristol Peak, elevation {{convert|1803|ft|m}} above [[sea level]]. Bristol lies fully within the [[Merrimack River]] [[Drainage basin|watershed]].<ref name=watershed>{{cite book |title=Water Use in New Hampshire: An Activities Guide for Teachers |url=http://nh.water.usgs.gov/Publications/nh.intro.html |last=Foster |first=Debra H. |author2=Batorfalvy, Tatianna N.|author3= Medalie, Laura |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Geological Survey |year=1995}}</ref>


Bristol is served by state routes [[New Hampshire Route 3A|3A]] and [[New Hampshire Route 104|104]].
Bristol is served by state routes [[New Hampshire Route 3A|3A]] and [[New Hampshire Route 104|104]].

{{Weather box |location=Bristol, New Hampshire(1991–2020)
|width = auto
|precipitation colour =
| Jan high F =27.2
| Feb high F =30.6
| Mar high F =38.8
| Apr high F =52.3
| May high F =64.3
| Jun high F =72.8
| Jul high F =78.4
| Aug high F =76.9
| Sep high F =69.9
| Oct high F =56.1
| Nov high F =44.1
| Dec high F =32.9
| year high F =
| Jan mean F =18.3
| Feb mean F =21.1
| Mar mean F =29.2
| Apr mean F =42.0
| May mean F =54.2
| Jun mean F =63.4
| Jul mean F =69.7
| Aug mean F =68.4
| Sep mean F =61.4
| Oct mean F =48.7
| Nov mean F =37.3
| Dec mean F =25.8
| year mean F =
| Jan low F =11.1
| Feb low F =13.4
| Mar low F =21.5
| Apr low F =33.7
| May low F =45.5
| Jun low F =55.3
| Jul low F =61.8
| Aug low F =60.9
| Sep low F =54.4
| Oct low F =42.8
| Nov low F =32.4
| Dec low F =20.1
| year low F =

| Jan precipitation inch =2.98
| Feb precipitation inch =2.72
| Mar precipitation inch =3.55
| Apr precipitation inch =3.83
| May precipitation inch =3.51
| Jun precipitation inch =4.47
| Jul precipitation inch =4.29
| Aug precipitation inch =4.11
| Sep precipitation inch =3.59
| Oct precipitation inch =5.43
| Nov precipitation inch =3.90
| Dec precipitation inch =4.36
| year precipitation inch =
|source = NOAA<ref>{{cite web |title=NOAA NCEI US Cliamte Normals |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/us-climate-normals/#dataset=normals-monthly&timeframe=30&location=NH&station=US1NHGR0001 |website=ncei.noaa.gov |publisher=NOAA |access-date=September 25, 2023}}</ref>
|source 2 = Cliamte data(Temperatures)<ref>{{Cite web |title = Bristol Cliamte |url = https://en.climate-data.org/north-america/united-states-of-america/new-hampshire/bristol-140390/#google_vignette |access-date=September 25, 2023}}</ref>
}}


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
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|2000= 3033
|2000= 3033
|2010= 3054
|2010= 3054
|2020= 3244
|estyear=2017
|estyear=
|estimate=3047
|estimate=
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2017">{{cite web|url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2017/PEPANNRES/0400000US33.06100|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017 (PEPANNRES): Minor Civil Divisions – New Hampshire|access-date=November 14, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213183945/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/PEP/2017/PEPANNRES/0400000US33.06100|archive-date=February 13, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|estref=
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |title=Census of Population and Housing |publisher=Census.gov |access-date=June 4, 2016 }}</ref>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="Census 2020"/><ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |title=Census of Population and Housing |publisher=Census.gov |access-date=June 4, 2016 }}</ref>
}}
}}
As of the [[census]] of 2010, there were 3,054 people, 1,283 households, and 851 families residing in the town. There were 2,488 housing units, of which 1,205, or 48.4%, were vacant. 1,089 of the vacant units were for seasonal or recreational use. The racial makeup of the town was 96.9% [[White Americans|white]], 0.3% [[African American]], 0.2% [[Native Americans of the United States|Native American]], 0.7% [[Asia]]n, 0.0% [[Native Hawaiian]] or Pacific Islander, 0.3% some other race, and 1.6% from two or more races. 1.1% of the population were [[Hispanic]] or [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Latino]] of any race.<ref name="Census 2010 DP">{{Cite web| url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/SF1DP1/0600000US3300907700| title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (DP-1): Bristol town, Grafton County, New Hampshire| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder| access-date=October 30, 2017| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213235238/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/SF1DP1/0600000US3300907700| archive-date=February 13, 2020| url-status=dead}}</ref>
As of the [[census]] of 2010, there were 3,054 people, 1,283 households, and 851 families residing in the town. There were 2,488 housing units, of which 1,205, or 48.4%, were vacant. 1,089 of the vacant units were for seasonal or recreational use. The racial makeup of the town was 96.9% [[White Americans|white]], 0.3% [[African American]], 0.2% [[Native Americans of the United States|Native American]], 0.7% [[Asia]]n, 0.0% [[Native Hawaiian]] or Pacific Islander, 0.3% some other race, and 1.6% from two or more races. 1.1% of the population were [[Hispanic]] or [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Latino]] of any race.<ref name="Census 2010 DP">{{Cite web| url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/SF1DP1/0600000US3300907700| title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (DP-1): Bristol town, Grafton County, New Hampshire| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder| access-date=October 30, 2017| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213235238/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/SF1DP1/0600000US3300907700| archive-date=February 13, 2020| url-status=dead}}</ref>
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==Education==
==Education==
It is within the [[Newfound Area School District]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sau4.org/centraloffice|title=Central Office|publisher=Newfound Area School District|access-date=2020-04-11}}</ref> Schools in Bristol include Bristol Elementary School, Newfound Memorial Middle School, and [[Newfound Regional High School]].
The town is within the [[Newfound Area School District]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sau4.org/centraloffice|title=Central Office|publisher=Newfound Area School District|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-date=April 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411060441/http://www.sau4.org/centraloffice|url-status=dead}}</ref> Schools in Bristol include Bristol Elementary School, Newfound Memorial Middle School, and [[Newfound Regional High School]].


== Notable people ==
== Notable people ==
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· All others will be deleted.
· All others will be deleted.
-->
-->
* [[Luther Atwood]] (1820–1868) an American chemist in the oil industry
* [[Luther Atwood]] (1820–1868), chemist in the oil industry
* [[Nathaniel S. Berry]] (1796–1894) 28th [[List of governors of New Hampshire|governor of New Hampshire]]
* [[Nathaniel S. Berry]] (1796–1894), 28th [[List of governors of New Hampshire|governor of New Hampshire]]
* [[John Cheever]] (1912–1982) writer
* [[John Cheever]] (1912–1982), writer
* [[E. Maude Ferguson]] (1883–1932) first woman to serve in the [[New Hampshire Senate]]
* [[E. Maude Ferguson]] (1883–1932), first woman to serve in the [[New Hampshire Senate]]
* [[Benjamin Flanders]] (1816–1896) Reconstruction [[List of Governors of Louisiana|Governor of Louisiana]]; mayor of [[New Orleans]]
* [[Benjamin Flanders]] (1816–1896), Reconstruction [[List of governors of Louisiana|governor of Louisiana]]; mayor of [[New Orleans]]
* [[Luther C. Ladd]] (1843–1861) frequently cited as the first Union soldier killed in the [[American Civil War]]
* [[Luther C. Ladd]] (1843–1861), frequently cited as the first Union soldier killed in the [[American Civil War]]
* [[Lenny McNab]] (born c. 1971) [[Food Network]] chef
* [[Lenny McNab]] (c. 1971), [[Food Network]] chef
* [[Fred Lewis Pattee]], writer and professor of American literature (born and raised)<ref>{{cite web|title=Pattee, Fred Lewis|url=http://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/bios/Pattee__Fred_Lewis.html|website=Penn State Libraries|publisher=Pennsylvania State University|access-date=3 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726201946/http://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/bios/Pattee__Fred_Lewis.html|archive-date=26 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Fred Lewis Pattee]] (1863–1950), writer and professor of American literature; born and raised in Bristol<ref>{{cite web|title=Pattee, Fred Lewis|url=http://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/bios/Pattee__Fred_Lewis.html|website=Penn State Libraries|publisher=Pennsylvania State University|access-date=May 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726201946/http://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/bios/Pattee__Fred_Lewis.html|archive-date=July 26, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{portal|New Hampshire}}
*[[List of New Hampshire historical markers (251–275)#269|New Hampshire Historical Marker No. 269: E. Maude Ferguson, New Hampshire’s First Woman State Senator]]
*[[List of New Hampshire historical markers (251–275)#269|New Hampshire Historical Marker No. 269: E. Maude Ferguson, New Hampshire’s First Woman State Senator]]


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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.townofbristolnh.org Town of Bristol official website]
* {{Official website|www.townofbristolnh.org}}
* [http://www.minotsleeperlibrary.org/ Minot–Sleeper Library]
* [https://www.minotsleeperlibrary.org/ Minot–Sleeper Library]
* [http://www.nhes.nh.gov/elmi/products/cp/profiles-htm/bristol.htm New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau Profile]
* [https://www.nhes.nh.gov/elmi/products/cp/profiles-htm/bristol.htm New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau Profile]


{{Geographic location
{{Geographic location

Latest revision as of 12:50, 12 December 2024

Bristol, New Hampshire
Town
Central Square in 2012
Central Square in 2012
Official seal of Bristol, New Hampshire
Seal
Motto: 
"The Gateway to Newfound Lake"
Location in Grafton County, New Hampshire
Location in Grafton County, New Hampshire
Coordinates: 43°35′28″N 71°44′12″W / 43.59111°N 71.73667°W / 43.59111; -71.73667
CountryUnited States
StateNew Hampshire
CountyGrafton
Incorporated1819
Government
 • Select Board
  • Rob Glassett, Chair
  • Don Milbrand
  • Leslie Dion
  • Carroll Brown Jr.
  • Scott Sanschagrin
 • Town AdministratorChristina Goodwin
Area
[1]
 • Total
21.9 sq mi (56.8 km2)
 • Land16.8 sq mi (43.4 km2)
 • Water5.2 sq mi (13.4 km2)  23.60%
Elevation
466 ft (142 m)
Population
 (2020)[2]
 • Total
3,244
 • Density194/sq mi (74.8/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (Eastern)
ZIP code
03222
Area code603
FIPS code33-07700
GNIS feature ID0873552
Websitewww.townofbristolnh.org

Bristol is a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 3,244 at the 2020 census.[2] It is home to Wellington State Park, Sugar Hill State Forest, and Profile Falls on the Smith River. Surrounded by hills and lakes, Bristol includes the lower two-thirds of Newfound Lake, a resort area.

The primary settlement in town, where 1,911 people resided at the 2020 census, is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as the Bristol census-designated place (CDP) and is located at the intersection of New Hampshire routes 3A and 104.

History

[edit]

Bristol was taken from Bridgewater and New Chester (now Hill) and incorporated June 24, 1819. Colonel Peter Sleeper, Benjamin Emmons, and others commenced a settlement here in 1770.[3]

Extensive deposits of fine sand or clay similar to the "Bristol Sand" used in Bristol, England, to make fine china and pottery gave the town its name. [4] Here the sand was used to make a superior quality brick, marketed as Bristol brick. With water power from the Newfound River, the town was a center of manufacturing in the early days for goods such as paper, leather, woolens, flannel, bedsteads and piano stools.[5]

On January 16, 1884, the town of Bristol voted to accept the gift of a library building and land from Josiah Minot and Solomon Sleeper and to manage and maintain a public library. The Minot–Sleeper Library became the first building erected to specifically house a public library in the Lakes Region at the time, when it was officially opened to the community in 1885. On August 15, 2012, a groundbreaking ceremony was held in celebration of the library's expansion. In February 2013, the new addition was ready for use.

Bristol is one of four towns with shoreline on Newfound Lake, which has been a tourist destination since the mid-19th century. Farmers at first rented rooms and provided meals, but in the 1870s, hotels including the Hotel Bristol and G. G. Brown Hotel were built. In 1874, Bristol was the terminus of the Franklin and Bristol Branch railroad. The New Hampshire Central Railroad was planned to pass through Bristol.[3] In the 1920s, W. F. Darling created a compound of about one hundred cottages for rent, first known as Hiland Park and later as Bungalo Village. In 2004, the compound was sold to a proprietor who sold individual cottages to permanent owners.[citation needed]

  • The Hotel Bristol in 1911
    The Hotel Bristol in 1911
  • Central Square in 1906
    Central Square in 1906
  • The Ledges in 1912
    The Ledges in 1912
  • Minot–Sleeper Library c. 1910
    Minot–Sleeper Library c. 1910

In 2022, Bristol inaugurated a new solar array. Local media highlighted the array in the context of town's energy independence, which dated from the 1800s when hydropower provided all the town's energy.[6]

Geography

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1884 bird's-eye view of Bristol

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 21.9 square miles (56.8 km2), of which 16.8 square miles (43.4 km2) are land and 5.2 square miles (13.4 km2) are water, comprising 23.60% of the town.[1] Bristol is drained by the Pemigewasset River (forming the southeastern boundary of the town), the Smith River (on the town's short southern boundary) and the Newfound River, draining Newfound Lake and most of the center of town. The highest point in town is Bristol Peak, elevation 1,803 feet (550 m) above sea level. Bristol lies fully within the Merrimack River watershed.[7]

Bristol is served by state routes 3A and 104.

Climate data for Bristol, New Hampshire(1991–2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °F 27.2 30.6 38.8 52.3 64.3 72.8 78.4 76.9 69.9 56.1 44.1 32.9 53.7
Daily mean °F 18.3 21.1 29.2 42.0 54.2 63.4 69.7 68.4 61.4 48.7 37.3 25.8 45.0
Mean daily minimum °F 11.1 13.4 21.5 33.7 45.5 55.3 61.8 60.9 54.4 42.8 32.4 20.1 37.7
Average precipitation inches 2.98 2.72 3.55 3.83 3.51 4.47 4.29 4.11 3.59 5.43 3.90 4.36 46.74
Mean daily maximum °C −2.7 −0.8 3.8 11.3 17.9 22.7 25.8 24.9 21.1 13.4 6.7 0.5 12.0
Daily mean °C −7.6 −6.1 −1.6 5.6 12.3 17.4 20.9 20.2 16.3 9.3 2.9 −3.4 7.2
Mean daily minimum °C −11.6 −10.3 −5.8 0.9 7.5 12.9 16.6 16.1 12.4 6.0 0.2 −6.6 3.2
Average precipitation mm 76 69 90 97 89 114 109 104 91 138 99 111 1,187
Source 1: NOAA[8]
Source 2: Cliamte data(Temperatures)[9]

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1820675—
183079918.4%
18401,15344.3%
18501,103−4.3%
18601,1241.9%
18701,41626.0%
18801,352−4.5%
18901,52412.7%
19001,6005.0%
19101,478−7.6%
19201,428−3.4%
19301,61012.7%
19401,6321.4%
19501,586−2.8%
19601,470−7.3%
19701,67013.6%
19802,19831.6%
19902,53715.4%
20003,03319.6%
20103,0540.7%
20203,2446.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[2][10]

As of the census of 2010, there were 3,054 people, 1,283 households, and 851 families residing in the town. There were 2,488 housing units, of which 1,205, or 48.4%, were vacant. 1,089 of the vacant units were for seasonal or recreational use. The racial makeup of the town was 96.9% white, 0.3% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 0.3% some other race, and 1.6% from two or more races. 1.1% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.[11]

Of the 1,283 households, 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.0% were headed by married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 26.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36, and the average family size was 2.81.[11]

In the town, 21.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.0% were from 18 to 24, 23.6% from 25 to 44, 32.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.[11]

For the period 2011-2015, the estimated median annual income for a household was $50,080, and the median income for a family was $56,161. Male full-time workers had a median income of $43,627 versus $35,921 for females. The per capita income for the town was $25,353. 8.7% of the population and 5.0% of families were below the poverty line. 15.4% of the population under the age of 18 and 4.3% of those 65 or older were living in poverty.[12]

The Newfound River descending from the town center

Education

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The town is within the Newfound Area School District.[13] Schools in Bristol include Bristol Elementary School, Newfound Memorial Middle School, and Newfound Regional High School.

Notable people

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "2021 U.S. Gazetteer Files – New Hampshire". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Bristol town, Grafton County, New Hampshire: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  3. ^ a b Article in Statistics and Gazetteer of New-Hampshire (1875)
  4. ^ NHES Community Profile - Bristol, NH (1875)
  5. ^ Coolidge, Austin J.; John B. Mansfield (1859). A History and Description of New England. Boston, Massachusetts: A.J. Coolidge. pp. 429–430. coolidge mansfield history description new england 1859.
  6. ^ Enstrom, Kirk (August 19, 2022). "With activation of solar array, town of Bristol returns to its renewable roots". WMUR-TV. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  7. ^ Foster, Debra H.; Batorfalvy, Tatianna N.; Medalie, Laura (1995). Water Use in New Hampshire: An Activities Guide for Teachers. U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Geological Survey.
  8. ^ "NOAA NCEI US Cliamte Normals". ncei.noaa.gov. NOAA. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  9. ^ "Bristol Cliamte". Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  10. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  11. ^ a b c "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (DP-1): Bristol town, Grafton County, New Hampshire". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
  12. ^ "Selected Economic Characteristics: 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (DP03): Bristol town, Grafton County, New Hampshire". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
  13. ^ "Central Office". Newfound Area School District. Archived from the original on April 11, 2020. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  14. ^ "Pattee, Fred Lewis". Penn State Libraries. Pennsylvania State University. Archived from the original on July 26, 2014. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
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