The first settlements began around 1792. The town of Bolton was formed from part of the town of Thurman in 1799. Bolton lost some of its territory as three new towns were created in the county. The town is named after Robert “Bob” Bolton who moved there in 1788 with his wife Margaret. The Cadet was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. The Gates Homestead was added in 2010.
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,117 people, 941 households, and 628 families residing in the town. The population density was 33.4 people per square mile. There were 2,164 housing units at an average density of 34.1 per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was 98.02% White, 0.57% African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.14% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.85% of the population. There were 941 households out of which 22.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.3% were married couplesliving together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.70. In the town, the population was spread out with 19.4% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 32.9% from 45 to 64, and 19.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.5 males. The median income for a household in the town was $46,935, and the median income for a family was $52,667. Males had a median income of $35,268 versus $23,000 for females. The per capita income for the town was $26,492. About 3.3% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.4% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over.
Bolton - A hamlet located on the shore of Lake George on Route 9N.
Bolton Landing - A hamlet and the major community in the town. It is located on the shore of Lake George on Route 9N.
Boon Bay - A bay of Lake George near the south town line.
Cat Mountain - A mountain in the southwest part of the town.
Green Island - An island in Lake George by Bolton Landing.
Huddle Bay - A bay between Bolton hamlet and Bolton Landing.
North Bolton - A hamlet northwest of Bolton Landing.
Northwest Bay - A bay in Lake George north of Bolton Landing.
Riverbank - A hamlet on the west town line.
Tongue Mountain Range - A series of mountains forming a peninsula into Lake George that helps create Northwest Bay. The mountain consists of five peaks : Brown Mountain, Fivemile Mountain, Fifth Peak, French Point Mountain, and First Peak.
Trout Lake - A lake in the south-central part of the town.
