Incorporated: 1788 |
  |
Origin: Bridgewater received its charter in 1788, when it was part of the town of New Chester. New Chester was separated into Bridgewater and Hill, as well as portions of Bristol, Danbury, and Wilmot. Early settlers of the area were from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, giving the town its name. Bridgewater was officially incorporated by John Sullivan, who was President of New Hampshire before the title was changed to Governor. The town line follows the eastern shore of Newfound Lake. |
  |
Villages and Place Names: unknown |
  |
Population, Year of the First Census Taken: 281 residents in 1790 |
  |
Population Trends: Population change for Bridgewater totaled 765 over 50 years, from 398 in 1970 to 1,163 in 2020. The largest decennial percent change was a 52 percent increase from 1970 to 1980. The town's population increased by seven percent from 2010 to 2020. |
  |
Population Density and Land Area: 2023 (US Census Bureau): 55.0 persons per square mile of land area. Bridgewater contains 21.5 square miles of land area and 0.2 square miles of inland water area. |
  |
  |
  |