Moultonborough or Moultonboro? A bit of history

Origins & the Spelling Variations

• The town was granted in 1763 and incorporated in 1777, named for Revolutionary War hero Colonel Jonathan Moulton (facebook.com, moultonboroughnh.gov).
• Historically, the original and official spelling has always been Moultonborough, reflecting the full surname and the traditional “-borough” suffix imported from English place-naming.
• Over time, particularly in local and informal contexts, people began abbreviating it to Moultonboro—dropping the “ugh” for brevity and easier pronunciation. This mirrors a broader trend in New England where towns like Peterborough or Hillsborough often get colloquial shortened forms.

Historical Context

• Early official records, such as charters and town meeting minutes, consistently used “Moultonborough” .
• Even today, legal documents, road signs, the town’s website, and institutional names (e.g. Moultonborough Public Library, Moultonborough Historical Society) preserve the traditional spelling (moultonboroughlibrary.org).
• The shortened “Moultonboro” surfaces in more casual modern usage—seen in local posts, informal references (e.g. “Long Island in Moultonboro”), and on some signage (lwhs.us).

Present-Day Usage

Official (town, legal, signage) : Moultonborough

Informal (restaurants, social media, colloquial): Moultonboro

Historic preservation: Moultonborough—anchors the full legacy of Jonathan Moulton

• In modern maps, tourism guides, and online reviews, both spellings are interchangeable—but institutions adhere to the official form.
• Local businesses and residents often shorten the name in conversation and marketing, reflecting the practical “borough = boro” shift.

A Glimpse at Town Life

• The town consists of several historic villages—Moultonborough Centre, Falls, Lees Mill, and Suissevale—with historic sites like the Old Country Store (built c. 1780), Freese’s Tavern, Moultonborough Town House (1834), and the lakeside Swallow Boathouse (en.wikipedia.org, moultonboroughnh.gov).
• Nestled on Lake Winnipesaukee’s shores, the town balances its agricultural and industrial roots with a vibrant summer tourism economy that took shape in the late 19th century (moultonboroughnh.gov).

In Summary

• Moultonborough is the official, historically rooted spelling, honoring its founder Colonel Jonathan Moulton.
• Moultonboro is the colloquial, simplified version locals and businesses often use.
• Both spellings coexist today—officially “Moultonborough,” in everyday usage often “Moultonboro.”
• If you visit, don’t miss Anika’s Pizza—a funky, beloved spot that captures both the regional charm and modern flavor of the town.

Whether you're tracing its rich heritage or taking a bite of a specialty slice, Moultonborough/Moultonboro offers both history and heart—and maybe a slice or two.