According to iTypeTravel, Bethlehem, New Hampshire is a small town located in Grafton County in the White Mountains region of the state. It is situated on the western edge of the White Mountain National Forest, with Mount Washington and other high peaks rising to the east. The town has an elevation of 1,670 feet and covers an area of 27.9 square miles.
The landscape of Bethlehem is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and small bodies of water such as ponds and streams. There are also several wetlands located throughout the area which provide important habitats for wildlife such as beaver, moose, black bears, and other species native to New Hampshire.
The climate in Bethlehem is typical for New England with cold winters and warm summers. The average annual temperature is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit with temperatures ranging from lows near 0 degrees Fahrenheit during winter months to highs near 80 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months. Precipitation occurs throughout the year with an average annual total of over 50 inches which includes both rain and snowfall.
Bethlehem’s population is just under 3,000 people according to 2018 Census estimates making it one of the smaller towns in Grafton County. The town has a strong sense of community with many residents having lived here their entire lives or coming here from other parts of New England looking for a quiet place to call home.
Overall, Bethlehem offers its residents a unique blend of natural beauty along with a strong sense of community making it an attractive destination for those looking to escape city life while still remaining close enough to enjoy all that New Hampshire has to offer.
History of Bethlehem, New Hampshire
Bethlehem, New Hampshire is a small town located in Grafton County in the White Mountains region of the state. It was first settled in 1766 by settlers from Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island looking to establish a farming community. The town was initially known as “Bethlehem Common,” but was later renamed to its current name.
The early settlers of Bethlehem were primarily farmers who grew crops such as corn, potatoes, oats and wheat on their farms. The town also became known for its production of maple syrup and other products made from local resources such as timber and wool. As time went on, the town developed a strong religious tradition with several churches being built throughout the area.
In the late 1800s, Bethlehem experienced an influx of new residents due to the railroads that were built through the White Mountains region connecting it to larger cities in New England. This allowed for easier transportation of goods such as lumber and other agricultural products which helped to fuel Bethlehem’s economy during this period.
The 20th century brought about more changes for Bethlehem with the development of ski resorts in nearby areas such as Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain. This led to an increase in tourism which has remained a major part of Bethlehem’s economy ever since. Additionally, many residents began commuting to nearby cities for work while still maintaining their small-town lifestyle in Bethlehem.
Today, Bethlehem is still a small rural town but has seen significant growth over the years due to its proximity to larger cities like Littleton and Plymouth and its abundance of outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, camping and fishing making it an attractive destination for tourists looking for some peace and quiet away from city life.
Economy of Bethlehem, New Hampshire
Bethlehem, New Hampshire is a small town located in Grafton County in the White Mountains region of the state. The economy of Bethlehem has traditionally been based on agriculture and the production of maple syrup, timber and wool. In recent years however, tourism has become a major part of Bethlehem’s economy as well.
The agricultural industry has been an important part of Bethlehem’s economy since its founding in 1766 with many farmers growing crops such as corn, potatoes, oats and wheat on their farms. The town also became known for its production of maple syrup and other products made from local resources such as timber and wool.
In the late 1800s, Bethlehem experienced an influx of new residents due to the railroads that were built through the White Mountains region connecting it to larger cities in New England. This allowed for easier transportation of goods such as lumber and other agricultural products which helped to fuel Bethlehem’s economy during this period.
The 20th century brought about more changes for Bethlehem with the development of ski resorts in nearby areas such as Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain leading to an increase in tourism. This has remained a major part of Bethlehem’s economy ever since with many tourists visiting each year to take advantage of outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, camping and fishing that are available throughout the White Mountains region.
Additionally, many residents have begun commuting to nearby cities for work while still maintaining their small-town lifestyle in Bethlehem leading to an increase in service-based businesses such as restaurants, hotels and retail stores popping up throughout town providing employment opportunities for those living there.
Today, Bethlehem is still a small rural town but has seen significant growth over the years due to its proximity to larger cities like Littleton and Plymouth making it an attractive destination for tourists looking for some peace and quiet away from city life while still being close enough to enjoy all that New Hampshire has to offer.
Politics in Bethlehem, New Hampshire
Bethlehem, New Hampshire is a predominantly Republican town. In the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump won the town by a wide margin with over 70% of the vote. This is in line with the rest of New Hampshire which also has a strong Republican leaning.
Local politics in Bethlehem are also dominated by Republicans. The town’s board of selectmen is comprised entirely of Republicans and its members are very active in local politics. They hold regular meetings to discuss issues that are important to Bethlehem and its citizens. Additionally, they also serve as liaisons between the town and other local governments such as Grafton County or the state government in Concord.
In terms of state politics, Bethlehem is represented by Republicans in both the House and Senate of New Hampshire’s General Court. The current representative for Bethlehem is John Reagan who has been serving since 2013. He has been an advocate for small businesses and rural communities during his time in office and works hard to ensure that his constituents’ voices are heard at the state level.
The town also has an active Democratic Party presence with many residents being registered Democrats or Independents who often lean left when it comes to their political views. Despite this, Democrats have not been able to make much headway in local elections due to Bethlehem’s strong Republican majority which often leaves them outnumbered at the polls on election day.
Overall, Bethlehem has a strong Republican presence which is reflected both locally and at higher levels of government throughout New Hampshire. While there are definitely some Democrats who live within its borders, they tend to be outnumbered by those who identify as Republican or Independent but lean right politically when it comes time to vote on important issues facing the state or nation at large.
