Bear Island History
Bear Island Reflections is a narrative history of Bear Island and Lake Winnipesaukee from the days of the first settlers in 1772 to the present. Bear Island, where mail is still delivered daily by the only floating post office in the United States, was once home to a small community of farmers who tilled the rocky soil and raised livestock. During the steamboat era, the Bear Island hotel attracted many guests who came to the region by rail. This unique island has had its own post office and store, as well as an active interdenominational church which was built around a century old tower.
Copies of Bear Island Reflections are available at Innisfree Bookshop in Meredith, at the Bear Island Post Office and Library, on Bear Island, while the Mail Boat is at the dock, or click here to purchase. Proceeds from sales will benefit the Bear Island Conservation Association.
The island’s story
From the first settlers to the present day.
Bear Island Reflections is a narrative history of Bear Island and Lake Winnipesaukee from the days of the first settlers in 1772 to the present. Bear Island, where mail is still delivered daily by the only floating post office in the United States, was once home to a small community of farmers who tilled the rocky soil and raised livestock. During the steamboat era, the Bear Island hotel attracted many guests who came to the region by rail. This unique island has had its own post office and library, as well as an active interdenominational church which was built around a century old tower.
Copies of Bear Island Reflections are available at Innisfree Bookshop in Meredith, at the Bear Island Post Office and Library, on Bear Island, while the Mail Boat is at the dock, or click here to purchase. Proceeds from sales benefit the Bear Island Conservation Association.
Bear Island Reflections is a narrative history of Bear Island and Lake Winnipesaukee from the days of the first settlers in 1772 to the present. Bear Island, where mail is still delivered daily by the only floating post office in the United States, was once home to a small community of farmers who tilled the rocky soil and raised livestock. During the steamboat era, the Bear Island hotel attracted many guests who came to the region by rail. This unique island has had its own post office and store, as well as an active interdenominational church which was built around a century old tower.
Copies of Bear Island Reflections are available at Innisfree Bookshop in Meredith, at the Bear Island Post Office and Library, on Bear Island, while the Mail Boat is at the dock, or click here to purchase. Proceeds from sales will benefit the Bear Island Conservation Association.
Archive Gallery
Historic Maps of Bear Island
Explore a collection of historic maps documenting Bear Island and its surrounding area.
1909 USGS Map
Notice the Bear Island House is shown under the left arm of the large T
1956 USGS Map
Postcard collection
Greetings from Bear Island
The above photo is from a postcard sent from the Bear Island Post Office on July 18, 1909. The photo is taken on the path that extends from Sunset Rock to the Hotel site. The Hotel is visible on the upper left. The path still goes through the break in the rock wall, however it is now dense woods.
Bear Island Hotel
Taken from Pine Island this postcard shows the old Mt. Washington at the Mail Dock. The card is not dated but is very old.
Lovers' Lane
The Hotel Beach
Bear Island Post Office c.1919
Island History
Three miles of lake, forest, and shared history.
Bear Island long ago was home to early settlers who farmed and raised cattle to survive, and later to guests who arrived by train to enjoy a stay at the former Bear Island Hotel.
Bear Island is the second largest unbridged island of the 262 islands in Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. In the summer, it is accessible only by boat, and during winter, it can be reached by crossing the frozen lake.
According to the Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society, the island was named when several hunters, along with a few members of the Pennacook Indian tribe, were sent to survey the island. However, they encountered a few bears, which they decided to hunt.
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Originally the island was named "Big Bear Island," though the name was later shortened to "Bear Island" when the town of Meredith annexed the property in 1799.
Today, residents arrive by plane and car, and finally by boat. The unbridged three-mile-long island is home to 200 residences (plus or minus), and separate summer camps for girls and boys. The Sophie C. mail boat delivers to the busy mail dock at the north point of the island, bringing its post as well refreshments, souvenirs, ice cream and many touring passengers.
Not far from Church Cove is the stone church, St. John's on the Lake, which hosts Sunday services and often a rustic, summertime wedding.