WEIRS

First explored in the 1620's, Laconia and Weirs were originally part of Meredith and Gilford known as Meredith Bridge. Early explorers discovered the area while following the Piscataqua River north in an attempt to reach Lake Champlain and the great lakes and rivers of Canada described in Native American lore. These explorers were known as the Laconia Adventurers, named for Laconia—a region of ancient Greece. Incorporated as a city in 1893, today Laconia includes the villages of Lakeport and Weirs Beach. "Weirs" refers to primitive fishing devices used by the area's indigenous inhabitants.