Governor Wentworth Historic Site

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 New Hampshire — Ruins of Governor John Wentworth’s 1770s country estate on the shores of Lake Wentworth — the last Royal Governor of New Hampshire fled to Nova Scotia during the Revolution! The foundation ruins and scenic lakeside setting remain.

Visitor Information

About Wentworth Site

Governor Wentworth Historic Site in Wolfeboro marks the location of the 1769 summer estate of John Wentworth — New Hampshire’s last royal governor. Wentworth built the first summer “cottage” on Lake Wentworth, making Wolfeboro arguably “the oldest summer resort in America.” The governor’s decision to vacation here in the 1760s began New Hampshire’s Lakes Region tourism tradition that continues today.

Things to Do

Visiting the historic estate grounds, learning about colonial governors and the birth of American resort culture, hiking, and exploring Wolfeboro — the “oldest summer resort in America.”

Getting There

Located on Route 109 in Wolfeboro, Carroll County — on the shores of Lake Wentworth. Wolfeboro’s walkable downtown features independent shops and restaurants along the lakefront. The town claims to be “The Oldest Summer Resort in America” based on Governor Wentworth’s 1769 estate. Lake Winnipesaukee is 2 miles west.

History & Ecology

Governor Wentworth’s decision to summer here in the 1760s began 260 years of Lakes Region tourism. Wolfeboro today maintains its resort character with the Wright Museum of WWII, the Libby Museum of natural history, and a lakefront railroad station. Lake Wentworth’s clear water supports loon nesting — the common loon is New Hampshire’s most iconic wild bird.

Insider Tips

Colonial governor: Benning Wentworth served as Royal Governor of New Hampshire from 1741-1766 — the longest gubernatorial tenure in American history (25 years). Pro tip: Wentworth granted land charters across New Hampshire and into Vermont (the “New Hampshire Grants”) — creating the territory that became Vermont. Revolutionary prelude: The Wentworth family’s Loyalist sympathies led to their exile during the Revolution.

Best Time to Visit

Summer: Seacoast season. Fall: New Hampshire foliage. Year-round: Historic site accessible. Spring: Coastal walks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did New Hampshire create Vermont?

Sort of — Governor Wentworth issued 131 land grants west of the Connecticut River (1749-1764) in territory also claimed by New York. The settlers under these “New Hampshire Grants” resisted New York authority — led by Ethan Allen’s Green Mountain Boys. When the Revolution began, the settlers declared independence from both Britain and New York — creating the Republic of Vermont (1777), which joined the Union in 1791.

Wildlife & Nature

Governor Wentworth Historic Site — on the shores of Lake Wentworth in Wolfeboro — marks the location of the summer estate of John Wentworth, the last Royal Governor of New Hampshire (1767-1775), who built one of America’s first summer homes here in 1769. This act is why Wolfeboro claims to be “The Oldest Summer Resort in America.” Common loons call on the lake. Bald eagles fish from shoreline pines.

Nearby Attractions

Wolfeboro — adjacent — has the Wright Museum of WWII, New Hampshire Boat Museum, and waterfront dining. Lake Winnipesaukee — 2 miles west — is NH’s largest lake. Castle in the Clouds — 10 miles northwest — is a 1913 mountaintop estate. Wentworth State Park — on Lake Wentworth — has swimming.