Community Profiles - Belmont

Once called Upper Gilmanton, Belmont was incorporated as part of Gilmanton in 1727, but was not colonized until 34 years later because of Indian hostilities.

The first settlers were Benjamin Mudgett and his wife, who walked into town on snowshoes the day after Christmas in 1761, shortly followed by Benjamin's brother John and his wife. In 1859 the community was incorporated as Upper Gilmanton. Some residents thought the name was too long, so ten years later they petitioned for the name to be changed to Belmont.