Dixville Notch: More Than Just First-in-the-Nation Votes

Have you ever wondered about the places that make America unique? Tucked away in the northernmost tip of New Hampshire, there’s a tiny, unincorporated township that captures the nation’s attention every four years. This place is Dixville Notch, a name synonymous with presidential elections and rugged natural beauty. While its claim to fame is casting the first ballots in the U.S. presidential primary, there is so much more to discover about this fascinating corner of New England. From its storied history to its stunning landscapes, Dixville Notch offers a unique glimpse into a small community with a big legacy.

This article will take you on a journey through this remarkable place. We’ll explore its famous voting tradition, dive into its history, uncover the natural attractions that draw visitors year-round, and look at what the future holds for this iconic township. Get ready to learn why Dixville Notch is a destination that truly stands out.

Key Takeaways

• Dixville Notch is famous for its tradition of “First-in-the-Nation” voting, where residents cast their ballots just after midnight on election day.
• The township has a rich history tied to The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, which has been the center of its economic and social life for over a century.
• Beyond politics, Dixville Notch is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing in the Great North Woods region of New Hampshire.
• The future of the township is closely linked to the redevelopment and reopening of The Balsams resort, which promises to bring new life and economic activity to the area.
• Despite its small population, Dixville Notch holds a significant and symbolic place in American culture and political history.

What is Dixville Notch?

Dixville Notch is an unincorporated township located in Coös County, New Hampshire. “Unincorporated” simply means it doesn’t have its own local government like a town or city. Instead, it’s administered at the county level. It is situated within a mountain pass of the same name, surrounded by the peaks of the northern White Mountains. This geographical feature, a “notch,” gives the area its distinctive name and its breathtaking scenery.

The area is best known for one specific tradition: being one of the first places to declare its election results in the New Hampshire primary and the U.S. presidential election. This has put the tiny community on the national stage, turning it into a symbol of American democracy in action. However, the identity of Dixville Notch is also deeply connected to its history as a resort destination, centered around the historic Balsams Grand Resort Hotel. It’s a place where political tradition and natural grandeur meet.

The Famous Midnight Voting Tradition

The most well-known fact about Dixville Notch is its midnight voting. This tradition began in 1960 as a way to generate publicity for The Balsams resort. The owner at the time, Neil Tillotson, wanted to showcase the community, and he realized that by opening the polls at the stroke of midnight, they could be the very first in the nation to report their results. The process is simple yet powerful. All eligible voters in the township gather in the “Ballot Room” of The Balsams resort just before midnight on Election Day.

As the clock strikes 12:00 AM, the polls officially open. The residents cast their secret ballots, and as soon as the last person has voted, the polls close. The ballots are then immediately hand-counted on a wooden table in front of reporters and observers from around the world. The results are announced just minutes later, long before the rest of the country even begins to head to the polls. This small act has become a major media event, drawing journalists and political enthusiasts who want to witness the first chapter of the election story unfold.

How Did the Tradition Start?

The midnight voting tradition in Dixville Notch was the brainchild of Neil Tillotson. He was an inventive businessman who owned The Balsams and also the Tillotson Rubber Company, which made latex gloves and novelty balloons. In 1960, he saw an opportunity to put his small community on the map. At the time, another nearby town, Millsfield, also had a history of early voting, but Tillotson perfected the art of the midnight vote for a media audience.

New Hampshire state law allows towns with fewer than 100 residents to open their polls at midnight and close them as soon as all registered voters have cast their ballots. Tillotson, a registered voter in Dixville Notch himself, leveraged this law to create a unique political event. The first midnight vote was held for the 1960 presidential election. Over the decades, it grew from a local curiosity into a nationally recognized political bellwether, all thanks to Tillotson’s vision and promotional savvy. He continued to be the first voter until his death in 2001 at the age of 102.

A Look Back at the History of Dixville Notch

The history of Dixville Notch is much deeper than its voting tradition. The area was first granted to Timothy Dix, Jr. in 1805, from whom it gets its name. For much of the 19th century, it was a rugged, sparsely populated wilderness. The transformation of the area began in the post-Civil War era with the rise of grand resort hotels in the White Mountains. Wealthy city dwellers sought to escape the summer heat and pollution by retreating to the cool, clean mountain air.

This led to the construction of the original Dix House in 1866, a modest inn for travelers passing through the notch. This was later purchased by Henry S. Hale, who expanded it significantly and renamed it The Balsams. Under his ownership and later that of the Tillotson family, The Balsams grew into a sprawling, luxurious 15,000-acre estate. It became the economic heart of Dixville Notch, employing nearly all of its residents and defining its identity as a premier resort destination for over a century. The history of the township is inextricably linked to the fortunes of this grand hotel.

The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel

The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel is the historical and cultural centerpiece of Dixville Notch. Established in the late 19th century, it evolved into a world-class resort known for its elegant accommodations, fine dining, and extensive recreational facilities. For generations, it offered guests a complete mountain escape with activities like golf on a Donald Ross-designed course, skiing on the resort’s own slopes, and boating on Lake Gloriette.

The hotel itself is an architectural marvel, with its distinctive red roof and sprawling wings nestled against the mountainside. The Ballot Room, where the midnight vote takes place, is located within the hotel, cementing its role in the town’s political identity. Unfortunately, The Balsams closed its doors for redevelopment in 2011. Since then, the population of Dixville Notch has dwindled, and the midnight voting tradition has faced challenges. The planned revitalization of the resort is seen as crucial for the long-term survival and prosperity of the entire community.

Dixville Notch Beyond the Vote: Natural Beauty

While politics may bring Dixville Notch into the spotlight, its stunning natural environment is what captivates visitors who make the journey north. The township is located in a dramatic mountain pass, offering breathtaking views and a sense of true wilderness. It is part of New Hampshire’s Great North Woods, a region known for its vast forests, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife.

For those who love the outdoors, Dixville Notch is a paradise. The area provides a perfect setting for a wide range of recreational activities throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in a vigorous hike to a mountain summit, a peaceful day of fishing, or simply a scenic drive through the colorful autumn foliage, this region delivers. The natural beauty is the soul of Dixville Notch, offering a quiet contrast to the brief, intense media frenzy of election night. For a deeper dive into stunning and historic locations, you might find some interesting parallels at https://versaillesblog.com/.

Dixville Notch State Park

A highlight of the region is Dixville Notch State Park. This 127-acre park is a gem, offering some of the most spectacular scenery in northern New Hampshire. The park features a stunning gorge, cascading waterfalls, and sheer cliffs that rise dramatically from the valley floor. It’s a popular spot for hiking, with trails that cater to various skill levels.

One of the most famous trails leads to Table Rock, a sheer cliff that juts out and provides panoramic views of the notch and the surrounding landscape. Though the trail is currently closed for safety reasons, its reputation for incredible vistas remains legendary. The park is also home to several beautiful waterfalls, including Dixville Flume and Huntington Cascades, which are especially impressive after a spring rain. A drive along Route 26 through the park is a scenic adventure in itself, showcasing the raw beauty of the White Mountains.

Outdoor Activities and Recreation

The opportunities for outdoor recreation in and around Dixville Notch are nearly limitless. Here are some of the most popular activities:

• Hiking: The area is crisscrossed with trails, from easy walks around Lake Gloriette to challenging ascents up nearby peaks like Dixville Peak and Mount Sanguinari.
• Wildlife Viewing: The Great North Woods is home to moose, black bears, deer, and a variety of bird species. Early morning or dusk drives often yield incredible wildlife sightings.
• Fishing: The Connecticut Lakes, just a short drive north of Dixville Notch, are renowned for their excellent fishing for salmon and trout.
• Winter Sports: When The Balsams’ ski area was operational, it was a beloved spot for skiing and snowboarding. The region is also popular for snowmobiling, with an extensive network of trails. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are other fantastic ways to explore the winter wonderland.

The Significance of the “First-in-the-Nation” Vote

Why does a vote from a handful of people in a tiny New Hampshire township matter so much? The significance of the Dixville Notch vote is largely symbolic. It doesn’t predict the winner of the election—in fact, its track record as a bellwether is mixed. However, it represents the official start of Election Day in America. The images of residents gathering in the middle of the night to perform their civic duty resonate deeply in a country that values democracy.

For presidential candidates, a strong showing in Dixville Notch can provide a small but immediate burst of positive media coverage. It’s the first data point of the election, and campaigns often invest time and resources in courting the few voters there. The tradition highlights the importance of retail politics, where every single vote counts. In a place as small as Dixville Notch, candidates can literally meet and speak with the entire electorate. It serves as a powerful reminder that even the smallest communities play a part in the grand American political process.

Notable Election Results

Over the years, the election results from Dixville Notch have produced some interesting and memorable moments.

As you can see, the results have often leaned Republican, but they have also shown a willingness to cross party lines. The 2020 result was particularly notable, as it was the first time a candidate received every vote cast in Dixville Notch.

The Future of Dixville Notch

The future of Dixville Notch is at a critical juncture and is almost entirely dependent on the successful redevelopment of The Balsams resort. Since the resort’s closure in 2011, the township’s year-round population has fallen dramatically. For the 2020 election, the town’s five residents had to partner with a local innkeeper to ensure the voting tradition could continue in a new location, as the Ballot Room was unavailable.

There is a massive, ambitious plan in motion to renovate and expand The Balsams into a four-season destination that would be one of the largest ski resorts on the East Coast. The project, led by prominent developer Les Otten, aims to create thousands of jobs and revitalize the entire North Country region. If this redevelopment succeeds, it would not only restore the grandeur of the historic hotel but also bring back residents, businesses, and a stable economic foundation for Dixville Notch. The fate of this iconic American place hangs in the balance, with many hoping for a grand reopening that will secure its future for generations to come.

Conclusion

Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, is a place of fascinating contrasts. It is a tiny, remote township that commands the attention of a nation. It is a rugged wilderness that was once home to a pinnacle of luxury and elegance. Its identity is forged from a unique blend of political tradition, historical significance, and breathtaking natural beauty. While its famous midnight vote is a captivating piece of political theater, the story of Dixville Notch runs much deeper. It is a story of community, resilience, and the enduring connection between people and the land they call home. As the future of The Balsams resort unfolds, so too will the next chapter for this small but mighty corner of America.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How many people live in Dixville Notch?
A: The population of Dixville Notch fluctuates. As of the 2020 census, the official population was just 4 residents. The small population is what allows it to continue its midnight voting tradition under New Hampshire law.

Q2: Why does Dixville Notch vote at midnight?
A: The tradition started in 1960 as a publicity stunt for The Balsams resort. New Hampshire law permits towns with fewer than 100 residents to open polls at midnight and close them once all registered voters have cast their ballots, allowing Dixville Notch to be the “First-in-the-Nation” to report results.

Q3: Is Dixville Notch a good predictor of election outcomes?
A: Not really. While it’s an interesting first look, its results have a mixed record of predicting the eventual winner of the presidency or even the New Hampshire primary. Its significance is more symbolic than predictive.

Q4: Can I visit Dixville Notch?
A: Yes, you can. You can drive through the scenic Dixville Notch State Park and see the stunning landscape. While The Balsams resort is currently closed to the public for redevelopment, the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying nature.

Q5: What is the status of The Balsams resort?
A: The Balsams resort is currently closed as it undergoes a massive redevelopment project. The plan aims to transform it into a major four-season resort with expanded ski facilities and updated amenities. The project’s success is seen as vital for the economic future of Dixville Notch and the surrounding region.