Belknap County Logo PNG
The Belknap County logo reflects the region’s atmosphere, where natural landscapes, history, and a distinct character intertwine. This is where charming small towns, rural tranquility, and a thriving tourism industry coexist, creating a unique environment that supports both living and business.
Belknap County was established in 1840, having been separated from Strafford County, and was named after historian Jeremy Belknap. Its first courthouse opened in Guildford, but the county seat moved to Laconia in 1855 due to the town’s industrial growth and strategic position near Lake Winnipesaukee.
During the American Civil War of the 1860s, residents enlisted in the Union Army, forming several regiments that participated in pivotal battles. By the 1870s, Belknap County had experienced industrial growth, with the establishment of textile mills and manufacturing plants, which was further boosted by expanded rail links to major cities.
Tourism became significant in the 1880s and 1890s, driven by visitors drawn to Lake Winnipesaukee, spurring the development of hotels, resorts, and historic buildings that defined the area’s architecture. A notable landmark was built in 1903: the new courthouse in Laconia.
In the 1920s, the development of improved road networks led to the construction of summer homes and recreational venues. The county’s diverse economy enabled it to fare comparatively well during the Great Depression, thanks to public works programs in the 1930s.
Post-World War II growth from the 1950s through the 1960s included residential expansion and improved infrastructure, with new schools, hospitals, and public facilities. The local economy transitioned toward the tourism and service sectors in the 1970s and 1980s, with a focus on winter sports and the development of new parks.
In the 1990s and 2000s, historic preservation became a central focus, alongside continued investment in tourism infrastructure. By the 2010s, Belknap County had become a prominent cultural and tourism destination in New Hampshire, with a focus on historical heritage alongside modern development, a trend that continued into 2020.
Meaning and History
What is Belknap County?
This is an administrative center in central New Hampshire, USA. The area is known for its picturesque lakes, making it a popular destination for summer recreation and water activities. In winter, the region attracts skiing enthusiasts with its well-developed resorts. It combines the traditional New England lifestyle with modern tourism infrastructure. The town offers all necessary services for residents and visitors, including municipal governance, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.
1840 – today
The Belknap County emblem is based on a heraldic format and is complemented by a text block, forming a horizontal composition. It combines historical symbolism with modern means of regional identification.
The coat of arms has a circular shape with an outer ring that bears the official name “COUNTY OF BELKNAP, NEW HAMPSHIRE”. A ribbon with the inscription “EST. 1840”, marking the date of the county’s establishment, is placed at the bottom. The panoramic composition of the coat of arms’ inner field reflects the features of the Belknap family. On the left is a steamboat connected with navigation on Lake Winnipesaukee. In the background, industrial buildings with chimneys are visible, indicating the region’s industrial heritage. On the right are hills and a sun disk with radiating rays, symbolizing growth and favorable development of the territory. Additional emphasis is placed on the water surface, which represents the region’s natural resources.
The colors of the coat of arms are built on a combination of blue, gold, and black. The blue background is associated with lakes and water wealth; gold denotes administrative continuity; and black is used to draw contours and details. The outer ring in gold lends the composition a more official appearance and enhances its status.
In the early 2000s, the coat of arms was supplemented with the text designation “Belknap County” and “NEW HAMPSHIRE”. The upper line is executed in a serif typeface close to Times New Roman or Georgia. The letters have moderate line thickness and even proportions. The lower line uses a grotesque typeface, such as Helvetica or Eurostile, rendered in uppercase with thinner strokes, creating contrast and emphasizing administrative affiliation.
The text part is executed in two shades of blue, where the dark saturated tone conveys the name of the county, and the lighter tone denotes the name of the state. Their distribution of shades reinforces Belknap’s association with stability and reliability.
The Belknap County logo embodies the area’s image as a territory that combines historical heritage, industrial tradition, and the natural appeal of New Hampshire.
