National Register Listing

District No. 9 Schoolhouse

358 Hoyt Rd., Gilford, NH
District No. 9 Schoolhouse, built in 1815 and remodeled ca. 1835, ca. 1856, ca. 1892, and in 1924, is significant as an excellent example of a nineteenth-century district schoolhouse whose modifications over the course of the century reflect continuing reform in schoolhouse architecture. The property possesses integrity of location, design, setting, workmanship, feeling, and association. Today, the District No. 9 Schoolhouse is the only schoolhouse in Gilford to retain high integrity. The other five surviving schoolhouses, all of which have been converted to dwellings, have lost their architectural integrity through additions, new fenestration and entrances, and in some instances, relocations.

District No. 9 Schoolhouse is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under the area of Architecture. Its significance under architecture is derived

ve representation of an early nineteenth-century schoolhouse that was modified in subsequent years to reflect local concerns and a statewide movement for improvement in schoolhouse design and construction. The period of significance and significant dates under Architecture coincide -- 1815, ca. 1835, ca. 1856, ca. 1892, and 1924 -- reflecting the approximate dates when the building was first constructed and subsequently substantially altered to its present-day appearance.

The property is also eligible for the National Register under Criterion A in the area of Education due to its ability to convey shifting trends in elementary education, imposed initially by local officials and, later, through statewide reform. Its significance is 1815-1935, reflecting the period during which the property was used as a school. The significant dates, 1815, ca. 1835, ca. 1856, ca. 1892, 1924, and 1935, reflect the years in which the property was first constructed, years in which it underwent substantial alterations in response to local or statewide educational initiatives, and in which it ceased functioning as a school.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Education

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2000.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture education
The first public library in the United States was established in Peterborough, New Hampshire, in 1833.
New Hampshire random facts
Belknap County, located in the state of New Hampshire, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by the Abenaki Native American tribe before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. It was named after Jeremy Belknap, a prominent clergyman and historian of that time.

In the early years, Belknap County was primarily a farming community with settlements spread across the region. The area experienced some level of conflict during the French and Indian War in the mid-18th century, as well as during the American Revolutionary War. However, it remained a relatively remote and undeveloped area until the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century.

The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century transformed Belknap County, opening up new opportunities for trade and commerce. The county saw a significant increase in tourism as people from nearby cities began visiting the lakes and mountains in the region, attracted by its natural beauty. This led to the development of resorts and hotels, further boosting the local economy.

Belknap County continued to grow and evolve into the 20th century. The county became an important center for manufacturing, with industries such as textiles, paper mills, and shoe manufacturing playing a significant role in the local economy. Over time, the county also expanded its educational and cultural institutions, establishing schools, libraries, and museums to serve the growing population.

Today, Belknap County remains a thriving part of New Hampshire, known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and thriving communities. While agriculture and manufacturing have seen decline, the county has diversified its economy to include sectors such as healthcare, tourism, and service industries. Belknap County continues to honor its history while embracing modern development, ensuring a bright future for its residents and visitors.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Belknap County, New Hampshire.

  • 1790: Belknap County was established on December 22, 1790.
  • 1823: The first county courthouse was built in Meredith.
  • 1840: Laconia, the largest city in the county, was incorporated on February 23, 1840.
  • 1842: The Belknap County complex, including the current courthouse, was completed in 1842.
  • 1855: The railroad arrived in Belknap County, contributing to its economic growth.
  • 1868: The Laconia Car Company, a major employer, was founded in Laconia.
  • 1973: The Gunstock Mountain Resort opened in Gilford.
  • 1995: The Belknap Mill, the oldest unaltered brick textile mill in the United States, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.