Bridgewater is a small community located in the Lakes Region of central New Hampshire. Its residents and property owners value the rural qualities of the town and the region. They like the small town atmosphere. It is safe and friendly, and is a good place to raise a family or to retire. They value the forests, pastoral open spaces, and water bodies as locations for outdoor recreation, and for the scenic beauty they provide.
Bridgewater received its charter on February 12, 1788, when it was part of the town of New Chester. New Chester encompassed a land area from Franklin, NH to Plymouth, NH. New Chester was separated into Bridgewater and Hill, and at a later date, was further divided into Bristol, Danbury, and Wilmot. Early settlers of the area were from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, giving the town its name. Bridgewater was officially incorporated by John Sullivan, who was President of New Hampshire before the title was changed to Governor. The town line follows the eastern shore of Newfound Lake.