National New Hampshire Day on September 7th recognizes the 9th state to join the Union. The Granite State epitomizes New England in many ways. From its breathtaking landscapes to its fascinating history and people.

State Symbols

State Capital – Concord
State Nickname – The Granite State
State Motto – Live free or die
State Bird – Purple Finch
State Flower – Purple lilac
State Animal – White – tailed deer
State Folk Dance –
State Fish – Brook Trout
State Dessert –
State Fossil –
State Mineral- Beryl
State Tree – White Birch
State Fruit – Pumpkin
State Song –
State Gemstone – Smokey Quartz
State Rock – Granite
State Insect – Ladybug

Quotable Quotes

If you’ve ever wondered where the phrase “not yet begun to fight” originated, just look to one of New Hampshire’s notable naval officers, John Paul Jones.

“Live Free or Die” is the state’s motto. Another revoluationary hero, John Stark earns the credit for it. In a written toast in honor of the anniversary of the Battle of Bennington, Stark’s full quote reads: “Live free or die, death is not the greatest of evils.” While he may not be the first to share the sentiment to live free or die, his toast summed up the country’s dedication to independence.

Settlers

New Hampshire’s history holds more than noble quotes. Many firsts fill its timeline. In 1719, Scotch-Irish settlers brought the first potatoes to North America. The settlers planted them in the settlement of Nutfield, now known as Londonderry.

Before Paul Revere had his famous ride, he first made another all-important journey. In 1774, Revere rode the 55 miles from Boston to Portsmouth to warn the citizens of an impending seizure of Fort William and Mary. The village stormed the fort and took control of the ammunitions before the British arrived.

Politics and More

New Hampshire became the first state to established an independent government. The state also created the first written constitution.

In 1828, when ownership changed hands at the Cocheco Manufacturing Company, the new owner reduced the wages of only the femail textile mill workers. On top of already difficult work and long days, the owners placed even stricter requirements on its employees. Frustated, on December 30th, about 400 of the female workers walked out. It became the nation’s first all female strike. The strike failed and resulted in many of the striking workers returning to work at even lower wages.

The state also holds its primaries before any other state. Early on during election time, the country focuses its attention on New Hampshire. Another phrase often attributed to New Hampshire: “As New Hampshire goes, so goes the nation.”

Known for its fall foliage, New Hampshire’s impressive colors bring visitors every autumn. From mountains to the seaside, the state offers year-round adventure.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalNewHampshireDay

Celebrate New Hampshire’s historic places, panoramic scenery and captivating personalities. Explore all New Hampshire offers! Use #NationalNewHampshireDay to share on social media.

NEW HAMPSHIRE FLAVOR

With apples as the leading fruit crop in the state, it should be no surprise that the people of New Hampshire specialize in baking and cooking with them. That includes their cider donuts! Not that anyone would refuse a donut, but these taste like fall!

Apple Cider, whether spiked or not, is a special treat in New Hampshire. A hot mug of autumn’s spiced orchard produce will warm you right up!

If you need a stronger drink to warm the cockles of your heart, try New Hampshire’s honey mead which is often fermented with the season’s fresh fruits. Also called honey wine, mead may be the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage.

Being a coastal state, seafood like lobster is a top choice but don’t over look fresh water favorites like fried lake bass. With the mountain hikes to take in all the scenery in New Hampshire, it’s easy to work up an appetite to sample all this goodness!

Notable People

John Langdon – Patriot – (June 26, 1741 – September 18, 1819)

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Daniel Webster – U.S. Senator – (January 18, 1782 – October 24, 1852)

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Sarah Josepha Hale – Writer Poet (October 24, 1788 – April 30, 1879)

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Franklin Pierce – U.S. President (November 23, 1804 – October 8, 1869)

Horace Greeley – Journalist – (February 3, 1811 – November 29, 1872)

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Mary Baker Eddy – Author – (July 16, 1821 – December 3, 1910)

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H. H. Holmes – Murderer – (May 16, 1861 – May 7, 1896)

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Harlan Stone – Supreme Court Justice – (October 11, 1872 – April 22, 1946)

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Alan Shepard – Astronaut – (November 18, 1923 – July 21, 1998)

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John Irving – Author – (March 2, 1942 – )

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Mandy Moore – Actress – (April 10, 1984 -)

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Hannah Kearney – Olympian – (February 26, 1986 -)

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Hidden Treasures

Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site – Derry

Madame Sherri Forest and Castle – Chesterfield

Thompson Falls – Pinkhams Grant

Hampton Historical Society and Tuck Museum Complex – Hampton (History of the only woman convicted of witchcraft in the state of New Hampshire as well as other fascinating information.)

U.S.S. Albacore – Portsmouth