Northwood is the westernmost community in the Strafford planning region and hosts hundreds of summer getaways on its many lakes. The town sits at a major crossroads in southeastern New Hampshire, seeing commuters from Manchester, Concord, the Seacoast, and the Spaulding Turnpike corridor every day. Historically located on Winnipesaukee lands, the town was originally settled in 1763 as the North Woods, part of Nottingham. Following incorporation as a separate town in 1773, Northwood grew with the 1791 establishment of the historic First New Hampshire Turnpike (today’s Route 4). Numerous sawmills and shoemakers were established in Northwood and the Turnpike was home to many taverns. Today Route 4 has since earned the name Antique Alley for the abundance of antique shops lining the highway.