📍 Location & Geography
Ossipee is a town located in Carroll County, in the state of New Hampshire, United States. It is situated in the eastern part of the state, approximately 20 miles from the Maine border. The town is named after the Ossipee Indians, one of the twelve Algonquian tribes. It covers an area of 74.5 square miles, of which 3.2 square miles is water. The town is drained by the Bearcamp, Lovell, Pine, and Ossipee rivers.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Ossipee, New Hampshire are approximately 43.6854° N latitude and 71.1167° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Ossipee is part of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, an area known for its many lakes and ponds. It is surrounded by several towns including Effingham to the east, Wakefield to the south, and Tamworth to the west. The town’s total area is approximately 75.2 square miles.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Ossipee had a population of approximately 4,345 people. The population density was 58.3 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was predominantly White, with a small percentage of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age was 45 years.
🏛️ History
Ossipee was originally incorporated as a town in 1785. It was named after the Ossipee Indians, the original inhabitants of the area. The town was a strategic location for trade and transportation during the colonial period due to its position along the Ossipee River. Ossipee was also known for its lumber industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Ossipee is home to a variety of natural attractions. The town is bordered by the Ossipee Mountains to the west and has several rivers and lakes within its boundaries. Ossipee Lake, the largest in Carroll County, is a popular spot for boating and fishing. The town is also near the White Mountain National Forest, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
🏫 Education
Education in Ossipee is managed by the Governor Wentworth Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, Ossipee Central School, for students from kindergarten through grade 6. For secondary education, students attend Kingswood Regional Middle School and Kingswood Regional High School, both located in the nearby town of Wolfeboro.
🚧 Transportation
Ossipee is served by New Hampshire Route 16, which runs north-south through the town, and New Hampshire Route 25, which runs east-west. The town is approximately two hours north of Boston, Massachusetts, and one hour south of Portland, Maine, by car. The nearest airport is Portland International Jetport, located in Portland, Maine.
📜 Trivia & Events
Ossipee is known for its annual Old Home Week, a week-long celebration held in July that features a variety of events including a parade, fireworks, and a town-wide yard sale. The town is also home to the Carroll County Courthouse, a historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.