Welcome to Lake Life
Alton was originally called New Durham Gore because of the rocky upland areas or "gores". Early Alton history shows that the courts were petitioned eight times to change the town's name and finally in 1976, the community was named Alton, in honor of a prominent family. The Incorporation Ceremony took place the following March. Today, the villages of Alton which include Alton Bay, East Alton, Mount Major, South Alton and West Alton, are home to an estimate of 5,000 plus residents. Alton has maintained a country atmosphere but is within commuting distance of Manchester and Pease International Airport. The M/S Mount Washington comes into port in Alton Bay, picking up passengers at the old railroad station. In addition, hikers can pick blueberries on their way to the top of Mt. Major and Straightback Mountain and will be rewarded with spectacular views from the summits.