Moviegoers may remember the Lakes Region retreat of Holderness as the serene setting for the Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn classic “On Golden Pond.” But long after film crews captured their last take, Holderness continues to captivate summer travelers and year-rounders with its rustic simplicity, breathtaking vistas, abundant nature, and a friendly way of life that’s been a hallmark for centuries.
Granted in 1761 as “New Holderness” to a group of New England families, the town was named by Colonial Gov. Benning Wentworth after Robert Darcy, 4th Earl of Holderness. By 1816, the “New” had been dropped from its name, and Holderness was quickly prospering as a farm and fishing community with a manufacturing district powered by the flowing water of the Squam River. When a rift, however, flared in the mid-19th century between the two districts over civic amenities (including gaslights and sidewalks), the mill village split off and was incorporated as the town of Ashland.
For Holderness, the split would come just as weary city travelers began taking notice of the region’s scenic mountains and lakes as a popular getaway. The American youth camp movement was born on Chocorua Island in 1881, and by the 1890s, the shores of Squam Lake were dotted with dozens of private family fishing camps. That tradition continues today, with generations returning each summer to enjoy Holderness’s seclusion and unspoiled wilderness.
With nearly 30 percent of the town’s land set aside for conservation, ecotourism remains Holderness’s largest industry. Visitors cannot afford to miss the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience that’s been wowing kids of all ages for more than 40 years with interactive natural habitats and trails, science programs, lake cruises, and wildlife demonstrations for everything from beavers and bears to snakes and horned owls. In the summertime, worshippers can board a boat and paddle to Church Island – an outdoor altar with one of nature’s most stunning backdrops. Or for a more commanding view, hikers will want to scale Rattlesnake Mountain, where a series of paths lead to an awe-inspiring summit overlooking the entire lake system.
Troubadour Town Facts: Holderness
• Population of 2,059 (est. 2007)
• Native American Abenaki Indians, then early European settlers, used the lakes as a trade route, shipping goods from the North Country across Squam Lake, down the Squam River to the Pemigewasset River, and then to the Merrimack River and the seacoast.
• Holderness town government is operated in traditional New England style, with a five member board of selectmen as its executive branch and town meeting serving as the legislative branch. Municipal elections and town meetings are annually held in March.
• Holderness was home to the Cheney family which included Moses Cheney, a friend to Frederick Douglas and conductor on the Underground Railroad. Sons of Moses included Person Cheney, a U.S. Senator from N.H. and Oren Cheney, the founder of Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.
• Also calling Holderness home was the Livermore family, including father Samuel Livermore, a U.S. Senator from N.H., and his son Arthur who represented N.H. in Congress. Arthur had a brother, Edward, born in Portsmouth, who also served in Congress.
• Founded in 1879, the 275 student Holderness School remains one of the most prestigious, private, coeducational college-preparatory schools in New England, drawing students from 22 states and 14 foreign countries.
