Gilmanton Academy
Province Rd., Gilmanton, NHThe Captains Philomene and Louis Daniels House are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places for their association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. From 1880 to 1916 the Daniels Boat Line operated a successful family business from the city dock on Otter Creek. Four steamboats captained by Louis, Philomene, their two sons, Fred and Mitchell, and daughter-in-law, Helen Lavigne Daniels transported passengers and freight down the seven-mile length of Otter Creek to Lake Champlain connecting with ports in Vermont and New York.
Daniels House, built around 1868, is significant as the home of Philomene Daniels who is important as the world's first licensed female steamboat pilot. Philomene Ostiguy dit Domingue Daniels was, according to one historian, "the most colorful and picturesque figure in the history of steamboating on the Otter Creek”. Although the Daniels House is modest and vernacular in style and form, the property is significant on the local, state, and national levels for its historic associations with maritime history, transportation, and entertainment/recreation.
Local significance of the building:
Daniels House, built around 1868, is significant as the home of Philomene Daniels who is important as the world's first licensed female steamboat pilot. Philomene Ostiguy dit Domingue Daniels was, according to one historian, "the most colorful and picturesque figure in the history of steamboating on the Otter Creek”. Although the Daniels House is modest and vernacular in style and form, the property is significant on the local, state, and national levels for its historic associations with maritime history, transportation, and entertainment/recreation.
Education; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
About National Register Listings
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.
The first permanent settlement in New Hampshire was established in 1623 by English fisherman and traders.
About Belknap County
Belknap County Timeline
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.
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.
Belknap County Timeline
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.