1. New Hampshire Becomes First Colony to Declare Independence
On June 21st, 1776, New Hampshire became the first of the original thirteen colonies to declare independence from England, a full five months before the Declaration of Independence was signed. This bold move was a major step in the fight for freedom from British rule, and it set the stage for the other colonies to follow suit. New Hampshire's declaration of independence was a crucial moment in the American Revolution, and it is remembered to this day as a symbol of the state's commitment to freedom and liberty.
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Advertisement2. Concord, New Hampshire Makes History with Levi Hutchins' Alarm Clock
In 1787, Concord, New Hampshire made history when Levi Hutchins invented the world's first alarm clock. This revolutionary device was designed to help people wake up on time, and it quickly became a popular item in households across the country. Hutchins' invention was a simple mechanical clock with a bell that would ring at a predetermined time, and it was the first of its kind. His invention has since been improved upon, but it remains an important part of our daily lives.
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3. The First State to Plant a Potato
In 1719, the first potato was planted in the United States at Londonderry Common Field in New Hampshire, marking a significant milestone in the history of the country. This field, located in the southeastern part of the state, was the perfect place for the potato to take root, as the soil was rich and the climate was ideal for the crop. The potato quickly became a staple of the New Hampshire diet, and it remains an important part of the state's agricultural industry today.
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4. Free Public Library Launches in Peterborough, New Hampshire
In 1833, the small town of Peterborough, New Hampshire made history by launching the first free public library in the United States. This groundbreaking event marked a major milestone in the development of public libraries, providing citizens with access to books and other resources that would otherwise be unavailable to them. The library was funded by a generous donation from local philanthropist, Amos Lawrence, and was open to all members of the community, regardless of their economic status. This pioneering library set the stage for the development of public libraries across the country, and continues to be a source of pride for the people of New Hampshire.
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Advertisement5. New Hampshire Launches the First Legal Lottery in the United States
In 1963, New Hampshire made history by becoming the first state in the United States to launch a legal lottery. This groundbreaking event marked the beginning of a new era of gaming in the country, and the lottery has since become a popular form of entertainment for millions of Americans. The New Hampshire lottery has been a major source of revenue for the state, generating over $1 billion in sales since its inception.
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6. 400 Women Strike in New Hampshire
On December 30, 1828, over 400 women in the Dover Cotton Factory in New Hampshire made history by staging the first-ever "women's strike" in the United States. The women walked out of their jobs in protest, but were forced to return to work when the mill began hiring new workers. This event was a major milestone in the fight for women's rights and equality in the workplace.
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7. New Hampshire's State Motto: "Live Free or Die"
New Hampshire's state motto, "Live Free or Die", was adopted from a speech written by Revolutionary War hero General John Stark. Stark's stirring words, which he delivered in 1809, have become a rallying cry for the state, embodying the spirit of freedom and independence that has been a cornerstone of New Hampshire's history. The phrase has become so iconic that it is now featured on the state's license plates.
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Advertisement8. Explore New Castle, NH: Tiny Town, Big Fun!
New Castle, the smallest town in New Hampshire, is a tiny community of only 512 acres. Despite its small size, the town is home to a variety of attractions, including a historic lighthouse, a beach, and a nature preserve. Visitors can also explore the town's many shops, restaurants, and galleries. With its picturesque views and quaint atmosphere, New Castle is a great destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.
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9. Oldest U.S. Tourist Attraction: Mt. Washington Auto-Road
The Mount Washington Auto-Road in New Hampshire is the oldest manmade tourist attraction in the United States, having been built in 1861. Located in the White Mountains, the 8-mile road takes visitors to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast at 6,288 feet. The road is open year-round, and visitors can take a guided tour or drive their own vehicle up the mountain. Along the way, they can take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Presidential Range, the Lakes Region, and the Atlantic Ocean. The Mount Washington Auto-Road is a must-see for anyone visiting New Hampshire.
Also → Independence Hall: A Symbol of American Freedom
10. The Cornish-Windsor Bridge is the longest covered bridge in the world
The Cornish-Windsor Bridge, located in New Hampshire, is the longest covered bridge in the world, stretching an impressive 460 feet across the Connecticut River. This remarkable feat of engineering is a sight to behold, with its two-span Town lattice truss design and its two-tone paint job of red and white. It's a popular tourist attraction, and a great way to experience the beauty of the Granite State.
