📍 Location & Geography
Franconia is a charming town nestled in the heart of Grafton County, in the state of New Hampshire, United States. It’s located in the White Mountains region, known for its stunning natural beauty. The town covers a total area of 66.8 square miles, of which 66.4 square miles is land and 0.4 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Franconia are approximately 44.2270° N latitude and 71.7449° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Franconia is part of the Northeastern United States, in the New England region. It is located in the northern part of New Hampshire, within Grafton County. The town is surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest, and it’s near the Vermont state line.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 Census, the population of Franconia was 1,104. The town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other races. The median age in Franconia is around 51 years, indicating a slightly older population compared to the national average.
🏛️ History
Franconia was first chartered in 1764 and was settled in 1772. The town was named after Franconia, a region in Germany. Franconia was primarily a farming community in its early years, but with the advent of the railroad in the 19th century, it became a popular destination for tourists. The town’s natural beauty has long attracted artists and nature enthusiasts.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Franconia is home to Franconia Notch State Park, a spectacular mountain pass traversed by a unique parkway which extends from the Flume Gorge at the south to Echo Lake at the north. The park includes the stunning Flume Gorge and the Old Man of the Mountain, a famous rock formation that sadly collapsed in 2003. The town is also near the White Mountain National Forest, offering ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
🏫 Education
Education in Franconia is managed by the Lafayette Regional School District. The town has an elementary school, Lafayette Regional School, which serves students from kindergarten through sixth grade. For secondary education, students attend Profile Junior-Senior High School, located in nearby Bethlehem.
🚧 Transportation
Franconia is served by Interstate 93, which provides easy access to other parts of New Hampshire and New England. The town is also near U.S. Route 3 and New Hampshire Route 18. For air travel, the closest major airport is Burlington International Airport in Vermont, about 80 miles to the west.
📜 Trivia & Events
Franconia is known for its annual Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza Celebration, which commemorates the iconic rock formation. The town is also home to the New England Ski Museum, which preserves the history of skiing and hosts various events throughout the year. Franconia’s natural beauty has made it a popular location for films, including the 1999 drama “In Dreams”.