In 1869, the town of Tilton, previously known as Sanbornton Bridge or
Bridge Village, came into its own when it separated from Sanbornton. Its
foremost benefactor, Charles Elliott Tilton, requested the town be named
in honor of his ancestors, who were early settlers of the area. Charles
added a touch of aristocracy to the town's character, decorating the
streets with European statues and elegant buildings. Tilton's wealth was
created by factories along the Winnipesaukee River as well as by large
agricultural and dairy farms north of the river. A tourist industry that
was centered around Lake Winnisquam began in the eastern hamlets of
Lochmere and Winnisquam. Today, Interstate 93 passes through Tilton,
which is now a gateway to the vacation lands of the White Mountains and
Lake Winnipesaukee.