Laconia, NH (Part 1): Fighting the Light & Drone Issues

Welcome to the "City on the Lakes," Laconia, New Hampshire!

I want to be transparent about this flight: it was a battle. I was rushing to beat the sunset, and the drone faced multiple emergency stops that knocked it out of the air and cut the recording short. This video captures the West-to-North view, but I missed the main downtown shot I really wanted. Consider this a "Part 1"—I will be returning later this year with my new high-tech drone to film the full 360-degree panorama this city deserves.

The Great Meredith Bridge Split Laconia hasn't always been the city we know today. Originally, this area was known as "Meredith Bridge" and was actually part of the town of Meredith (and parts of Gilford). It wasn't until 1855 that it broke away to become its own town, named after the old "Laconia Company" land grant from the colonial days. It grew so fast that by 1893, it was incorporated as a city. It sits on a unique stretch of land between Lake Winnisquam and Lake Winnipesaukee (specifically Paugus Bay), making water the defining feature of its borders.

The Empire on Rails While we think of boats and bikes now, Laconia used to be famous for trains. For nearly 80 years, the Laconia Car Company was a massive industrial powerhouse here. They didn't just build local trams; they built subway cars for Boston and New York City and railway cars that traveled all over the nation. At its peak, it employed over a thousand people. If you look at the brick architecture in the city, you are seeing the wealth that rail manufacturing built.

The Gypsy Tour Legacy You can't talk about Laconia without acknowledging the roar of the engines. Since 1916, when a group of motorcyclists gathered at Weirs Beach for a "Gypsy Tour," this city has been the host of what is now the oldest motorcycle rally in the country. It transforms the city every June, but even in the quiet of winter or late autumn, that hospitality and tourism infrastructure is a huge part of the city's identity.

Real Talk on the Flight This video is what I could salvage from a tough session. The recording stopped automatically during the drone emergencies, so this is a partial view. But even with the technical struggles, the view of the lakes and the city layout at dusk is still worth sharing.

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