Bristol is a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 3,033 at the 2000 census. It is home to Wellington State Park and Sugar Hill State Forest. Surrounded by hills and lakes, Bristol includes the lower two-thirds of Newfound Lake, a resort area. The primary settlement in town, where over 55% of the population resides, 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

The town was incorporated in 1819. 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. 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, woolens, flannel, bedsteads and piano stools.

Bristol is one of four towns with shoreline on Newfound Lake, which has been a tourist destination since the mid-1800s. 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 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.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 22.3 square miles (58 km2), of which 17.3 square miles (45 km2) is land and 4.99 square miles (12.9 km2) is water, comprising 22.10% of the town. 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.

The town center, defined as a census-designated place (CDP), covers an area of 4.8 square miles (12 km2), about 21.5% of the area of the town.

Bristol is served by state routes 3A and 104.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 3,033 people, 1,219 households, and 830 families residing in the town. The population density was 174.9 people per square mile (67.5/km²). There were 2,073 housing units at an average density of 46.2 persons/km² (119.5 persons/sq mi). The racial makeup of the town was 96.08% White, 0.26% African American, 0.40% Native American, 1.38% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races, and 1.35% from two or more races. 0.96% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,219 households out of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 11.0% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 31.9% were non-families. 24.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the town the population was spread out with 24.3% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 97.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $38,032, and the median income for a family was $44,766. Males had a median income of $31,088 versus $22,406 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,807. 6.9% of the population and 5.5% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 7.6% are under the age of 18 and 8.4% are 65 or older.

Town center

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,670 people, 692 households, and 458 families residing in the CDP (census-designated place) occupying the town center. The population density was 352.1 people per square mile (136.0/km²). There were 928 housing units at an average density of 75.6 persons/km² (195.7 persons/sq mi). The racial makeup of the town was 96.53% White, 0.06% African American, 0.42% Native American, 1.20% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.06% from other races, and 1.74% from two or more races. 1.14% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 692 households out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples living together, 14.2% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 33.8% were non-families. 28.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 24.8% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.0 males.

The median income for a household is $32,992, and the median income for a family was $40,804. Males had a median income of $30,478 versus $21,741 for females. The per capita income for the town was $20,011. 9.8% of the population and 7.7% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 10.6% are under the age of 18 and 14.0% are 65 or older.

Notable inhabitants

• Nathaniel S. Berry, governor of New Hampshire
• John Cheever, writer (summer resident)
• Benjamin Flanders, Reconstruction governor of Louisiana; mayor of New Orleans
• Thomas A. Watson, inventor (summer resident

External links

• Town website
• Minot-Sleeper Library
• Bristol Historical Society
• Pemigewasset Valley Snowmobile Club
• Wellington State Park
• A Walking Tour of Historic Bristol, New Hampshire
• New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau Profile

More About Bristol, NH Lakes Region or Visit Our Community & Link Partners..

Bristol NH  MULTI $1,800,000.00 Opportunity of a lifetime to own this outstanding family compound/corporate retreat with 200' of crystal clear, gently sloping waterfront on 2 acres. Property consist of 4 year round homes and 4 seasonal cottages, with dock, raft and additional out building. Currently used as a family rental busines ... Read More! Bristol NH  COM $1,295,000.00 Newfound Lake waterfront complex smack on the water with no road to cross. Main house and six rental units all with lake, mountain and sunset views, moorings, docks, patios and steps to sandy bottom waterfront. Live your dream as host of this delightful, well-maintained, landmark complex on one of ... Read More! Bristol NH  Home $1,295,000.00 Newfound Lake: Year-round 3BR, 1.75 Bath plus loft "Main House" plus six two BR plus Bath cottages with awesome views of lake, mountain and sunsets. Mooring for each building and private dock with main house. On/off dock for general use. Steps to sandy entry in the lake. Seller has already comple ... Read More! Bristol NH  Home $620,000.00 Magnificent 180 degree panorama of Newfound Lake and the surrounding mountains at this year-round, privately-situated, 3BR, 1 Bath waterfront home with 101 ft. on the lake including level lawn, dock pier and gradual sandy entry. Stone fireplace with woodstove. Freshly remodeled kitchen with stainle ... Read More! Bristol NH  Home $595,000.00 Newfound Lake: Year-round 3BR, 1.75 Bath plus loft "Main House" with awesome views of lake, mountain and sunsets. Open concept living area floor plan with cathedral ceiling and panoramic lake, mountain and sunset views. Private patio and deck overlooking the lake. Steps to sandy entry in the lake. ... Read More! Bristol NH  COM $500,000.00 MOTIVATED SELLER says "Bring offers" and wants you to own this exclusive beach with 4 cottages this year - 215 feet of frontage on crystal clear Newfound Lake with this .48 acre beach with 55ft dock . Year round 3 bdrm home and 3 fully furnished 2 bedroom cottages all with serene mountain and lake v ... Read More! Bristol NH  Home $500,000.00 MOTIVATED SELLER says "Bring offers" and wants you to own this exclusive beach with 4 cottages this year. 1 year round 3 bdrm home and 3 fully furnished 2 bedroom cottages, a 1/2 acre beach with 55ft dock on Newfound Lake. All 4 units come with screened porches with serene mountain and lake views. N ... Read More! Bristol NH  Home $500,000.00 Come enjoy many family get-a-ways at this quaint water front cottage on Newfound Lake with its own private beach and large lawn. This cottage is located on a private road for maximum privacy. Enjoy your morning coffee on a large deck extended over the water. A must see! ... Read More! Bristol NH  Home $450,000.00 Newfound Lake: Seasonal Waterfront Getaway 4BRs, 1.75 Baths getaway with views of lake known as Cottages 3 & 4 comprising the entire building. Open concept living areas with intimate lake views. Patios overlooking the lake. Steps to sandy entry in the lake. Two guaranteed moorings and use of on-o ... Read More! Bristol NH  Home $435,000.00 Stunning contemporary home with Newfound lake and Cardigan mountain views, this home offers a great floor plan for entertaining with open concept areas, 9ft ceilings ,plenty of windows to let in the natural light to soak up the views! located in an area of finer homes, this property offers mature ... Read More! Bristol NH  COM $419,900.00 Price Reduced!!!!!Owner wants to retire. 35%return on investment and growing!!!! THE NUMBERS WORK!! RARE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY IN LAKES REGION AREA. 2 BAY CAR WASH, LAUNDROMAT AND CARD STORE IN THE NEWFOUND LAKE AREA.4 ROOM 2+ bedroom RES/APT.Live where you work and save money, or add to your income ... Read More! Bristol NH  Home $369,900.00 This investment opportunity is waiting for you to make a move! In this economy put your investment $$ into something that will give you great return. The property includes this single family home currently used as a rental. The rental will help cover the holding cost while you develop the remaining ... Read More! Bristol NH  Home $359,000.00 This is an exceptional home with lake views. Enjoy incredible sunsets over Newfound Lake. Home offers open concept great room, dining and kitchen. Home has beautiful hickory floors, hickory cabinets, stone fireplace, granite countertops, master suite, walkout basement family room. Home is listed bel ... Read More! Bristol NH  Home $349,900.00 Great opportunity to be part of Manor Estates with its amenities including a beautiful long sandy beach, in a spacious detached home with its own yard and 2 car garage. Very comfortable house, large open concept living/dining with slider to private long deck. Entrance hall from garage has closet & c ... Read More! Bristol NH  Home $344,900.00 Private End unit with Newfound Lake and mountain views, this 2 bedroom unit has much to offer, large living room with vaulted ceilings and a fireplace to cozy up to with a good book! Open concept living areas well appliance kitchen is open to the dining area to allow for conversation. Just off the ... Read More! Bristol NH  Home $344,900.00 Private End unit with Newfound Lake and mountain views, this 2 bedroom unit has much to offer, large living room with vaulted ceilings and a fireplace to cozy up to with a good book! Open concept living areas well appliance kitchen is open to the dining area to allow for conversation. Just off the ... Read More! Bristol NH  Home $324,500.00 Lovingly cared for this home will fill all your needs! large country kitchen great for entertaining , formal living room for conversation and large dining room to host a fantastic dinner party! Cozy den with wood stove and office area on the first floor, 4 large bedrooms including a master bedroom w ... Read More! Bristol NH  Home $312,500.00 Excellent home in a fantastic neighborhood , this home has many quality features,including tile and hardwood floors,central vac,alarm, enclosed 4 season porch with views of Mnt Cardigan. Full master suite for privacy with a hot tub , 2 additional large bedrooms and a den/office with ample room. The ... Read More! Bristol NH  Home $309,900.00 Looking for a home with one of the best lake access beaches on Newfound lake? This home offers pleasing mountain and lake views, access to 400ft of sandy beach on the east shore of Newfound lake with west facing views and sunsets that are never the same! The home offers open living areas with bedroo ... Read More! Bristol NH  MULTI $299,900.00 -Investor this is your chance to break into the multi family market! This New England Charming, 6 unit building is located in a residential area of town with easy access to down town amenities and shopping for your tenants! Postive cash flow. Good rental history. ... Read More! Bristol NH  Home $299,900.00 >>$25,000 PRICE DROP << Own one of the finest properties with lake access in the area, this property offers 3.26 acres of heaven! The main house is an original antique cape with a stone fireplace as the focal point of the large living area. This home also has a sitting area just off the living room ... Read More!