Incorporated in 1770, Wolfeboro is known as "The Oldest Summer Resort in America."  The town is named after General James Wolfe, commander of the British expedition that took Quebec in 1759.  Read the complete biography of General Wolfe.

New Hampshire governor John Wentworth established an estate (which he called "Kingswood") on what is now Lake Wentworth. This was the first summer country estate in northern New England.  Lady Frances Wentworth described Wolfeboro as "the place to recover appetites and learn people to relish anything that is set before them." Others agreed as visitors flocked to the area.

Located less than two hours north of Boston, Wolfeboro is one of the most frequently-visited towns in New Hampshire's Lakes Region and boasts many bodies of water, including Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Wentworth, Rust Pond, the Smith River (site of the annual Smith River Canoe Race), and Crescent Lake.  The Mount Washington, the largest passenger boat on Lake Winnipesaukee, stops at the Wolfeboro town docks. Along Wolfeboro's downtown Main Street promenade tourists will find shops selling everything from fresh baked goods to handcrafted pewter.

Wolfeboro ranks 47th among New Hampshire's incorporated cities and towns with a year-round population of 6,473 in 2003.  That population figure swells to over 20,000 in the busy summer months as tourists flock to Wolfeboro for its pristine lakes, rivers, kayaking, scuba diving, waterskiing, fishing, swimming and sailing, golf courses and miles of trails for hiking and biking.  In winter, Wolfeboro boasts miles of cross-country ski and snowmobile trails, ice skating, ice boating, and ice fishing, as well as dozens of renowned ski areas within a short drive.

Wolfeboro's 48 square miles of land and 10 square miles of water provide something for everyone!  Visitors can make convenient day trips from Wolfeboro to other area towns such as Alton, Moultonboro, Meredith, Laconia, Gilford, Conway, the Kancamagus Highway, and New Hampshire's White Mountains.