Hidden History of Lake Winnipesaukee

Book excerpt: From the time of the earliest Native Americans, Lake Winnipesaukee has experienced a rich yet often forgotten history. Known by many as "America's Oldest Summer Resort," the area's first summer home was built in Wolfeboro by a royal governor. The Massachusetts border once extended all the way to Laconia, while Center Harbor served as the site of the country's first college sports rivalry. Governors Island may now be the summer playground of the elite, but it was once at the center of a religious movement that called for the end of the world. From the country's most unusual airport in Alton to the tragic story of the Laconia State School, the lake has been the setting for many notable events. Join local historian and author Glenn Knoblock as he reveals the overlooked history of this unique region.