| Spofford Lake | |
|---|---|
| Location | Cheshire County, New Hampshire |
| Primary outflows | Partridge Brook |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 2.0 mi (3.2 km) |
| Max. width | 1.0 mi (1.6 km) |
| Surface area | 739 acres (2.99 km2) |
| Max. depth | 60 ft (18 m) |
| Surface elevation | 218 metres (715 ft) |
| Islands | Pierces Island |
| Settlements | Chesterfield (village of Spofford) |
Spofford Lake is a 739-acre (2.99 km2)[1] water body located in Cheshire County in southwestern New Hampshire, in the town of Chesterfield. Water from Spofford Lake flows via Partridge Brook to the Connecticut River. In 2005 the NH Department of Fish and Game named it the cleanest lake in southwestern New Hampshire, despite the amount of motor boating. The village of Spofford is located at the lake's outlet.
A popular recreational destination during the late 19th century, the lake figured in a tragedy that received notice well outside its rural environs. On May 26, 1882, while on tour with a company organized by Clara Louise Kellogg, the 19-year-old classical pianist Herman Rietzel, already a concert veteran and considered to be well-launched on a promising career, joined George Conly, a bass singer with the company, for a pleasure outing on the lake. Later that day, their rowboat was found capsized on fire;[2] Reitzel's body was not recovered until the following June 7[3], and Conly's not until a week later still.
A portion of George Carlin's ashes were scattered here in 2008 after his cremation.[4]
Ware's Grove and North Shore are two municipal beaches on the lake. North Shore is for residents only,[5] while Wares Grove, near the southwest end of the lake, along New Hampshire Route 9A, has an entrance fee and is open to the general public. A state-maintained boat ramp is available to the west of Wares Grove, affording access to Pierces Island, managed by the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands and offering hiking trails. Pine Grove Springs is a golf course in Spofford next to the lake.