New Hampshire

People don’t come to New Hampshire to see me. They don’t come to see you, Mr. Major. They come to see our doctors and our teachers and our beauty.
Jeanne Shaheen in Ghostlights
New Hampshire, one of the original thirteen colonies, has a rich history dating back to its settlement in the early 17th century. It played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, with notable events like the Pine Tree Riot in 1772 and the adoption of the first state constitution in 1776. The state's granite resources earned it the nickname "The Granite State," and its early economy was driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and maritime trade. New Hampshire's tradition of self-reliance and individualism also contributed to its influential role in the abolitionist and women's suffrage movements. Today, it is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a mix of modern industries while maintaining a sense of historical identity.
Brief timeline of the history of the state of New Hampshire:

  • 1600s: Native American tribes, including the Abenaki and Pennacook, inhabit the region of present-day New Hampshire.
  • 1623: Captain John Mason receives a land grant from the Council for New England and establishes a fishing village called New Hampshire, named after the county of Hampshire in southern England.
  • 1679: New Hampshire becomes a separate province from the Province of Massachusetts Bay.
  • 1741: Portsmouth is established as the capital of New Hampshire.
  • 1776: New Hampshire becomes the first of the thirteen colonies to declare independence from Great Britain, adopting its own state constitution.
  • 1788: New Hampshire becomes the ninth state to ratify the United States Constitution, making it part of the new nation.
  • Early 19th century: New Hampshire experiences industrial growth, particularly in textiles, manufacturing, and lumber industries.
  • 1819: The Dartmouth College case, decided by the United States Supreme Court, upholds the sanctity of contracts and the independence of private institutions, setting an important legal precedent.
  • 1848: The New Hampshire State House, located in Concord, becomes the oldest continuously occupied state capitol building in the United States.
  • Late 19th century: Tourism becomes an important industry in New Hampshire, thanks to its scenic landscapes, including the White Mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee.
  • 1905: The New Hampshire presidential primary is established, becoming a significant event in the political landscape of the United States.
  • 1944: The Bretton Woods Conference takes place in New Hampshire, leading to the establishment of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
  • 1969: Neil Armstrong, an astronaut from Ohio, lands on the moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission. Armstrong's spacesuit was made by the Dover-based ILC Dover company.