Located in the fork of the Pemigewasset and Winnipesaukee rivers, the town was first called "Crotchtown".

[4] But ongoing hostilities during the French and Indian War delayed permanent settlement until 1764.

There was a border adjustment to Merrimack and Strafford counties on December 24, 1828, that affected Northfield and Sanborntown.

I-93 accesses the town via Exit 22 (NH 127) and leads north to Plymouth and south to Concord.

NH 132 parallels I-93 as a local road, connecting Tilton to the south with New Hampton and Ashland to the north.

In the New Hampshire Senate, Sanbornton is in the 2nd district, represented by Republican Bob Giuda.

On the New Hampshire Executive Council, Sanbornton is in the 1st district, represented by Republican Joseph Kenney.