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Community Profiles - Gilmanton
The first white settlers arrived in Gilmanton in 1761, when the town still included all of what is now Gilford, Belmont and part of Laconia.
Mainly a farming community, Gilmanton developed a thriving small industrial economy in the mid-19th century and is now inhabited by commuters, retirees and proprietors of small home-based businesses.
In the 1950's, Gilmanton was made reluctantly famous, or infamous, thanks to the late Grace Metalious, author of the notorious book "Peyton Place", who touched off the largest scandal in the quiet community's history.
Still predominantly rural, the Town’s population has tripled since 1970. The Town’s two village centers – Gilmanton Corner and Gilmanton Iron Works – each have a post office and small grocery stores. And each has its own special character.
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