Organized as a part of Dover and later Durham on traditionally Abenaki land, Lee and Madbury were settled through the 18th century, with Lee incorporating as a standalone town in 1766. Similar to Durham, Lee took on small, localized trading and agriculture in its early days. Lee has grown with Durham, with many students and staff of the University of New Hampshire residing here through the last century. The town is also home to the Lee Speedway, which is a 3/8 mile paved oval track and holds multiple racing series during their season.