New Hampshire was one of the first places that European settlers came when they reached the New World. The first settlers came to the Granite State more than 400 years ago, so there is a lot of history to be had, some of it super interesting. Here are 10 things about New Hampshire history that only true residents know:
- Explorer John Smith, of Pocahontas fame, mapped our shore.
In Awe Of God’s Creation/flick Not only did the great explorer map the shore of New Hampshire in 1616. He also named the Isle of Shoals Smith Isles. We’re not sure why that didn’t stick.
- The first American in space grew up right here in New Hampshire.
NASA Johnson/flickr Alan Shepard entered space in May 1963. Here he is (far left) returning from another space exploration.
- The Amoskeag Mill In Manchester was once the largest textile mill in the world.
David Wilson/flickr In the early 1800s the mill was churning out 500,000 yard of fabric each week!
- Wolfeboro is the country’s first resort town.
Massmatt/flickr When Governor John Wentworth incorporated Wolfeboro in 1770 he also built a summer mansion on the shore of what is now Lake Wentworth, giving Wolfeboro the claim of being the oldest resort town in the country.
- Dixville Notch didn’t start first in the nation midnight voting until 1960.
The Conversation/creative commons All voters in Dixville Notch gather together at midnight on election day to cast their ballots. The tradition has made the tiny town an international attraction for reporters and pundits every four years.
- The first ski club in the country was started in Berlin in 1882.
Nadia Peek/flickr There’s no surprises there, since skiers still enjoy the slopes today.
- The first alarm clock was invented here in 1787.
Faung’s Photos/flickr Curse the farmer who designed the alarm to help him get up at 4 a.m. daily.
- The 14th President of the United States was born and raised here.
J. Stephen Conn/flickr Can you name him? Franklin Pierce lived in Hillsborough and you can still visit his homestead there today.
- New Hampshire was the first of the 13 colonies to have its own constitution.
Kim Davies/flickr We’ve always taken protecting our liberties seriously.
- The first potato crops in America were planted in Derry.
totoro_friend/flickr The plants were brought to the New World by Scottish settlers.
Love New Hampshire? Check out these 9 legitimately fun and free things to do in New Hampshire.
In Awe Of God’s Creation/flick
Not only did the great explorer map the shore of New Hampshire in 1616. He also named the Isle of Shoals Smith Isles. We’re not sure why that didn’t stick.
NASA Johnson/flickr
Alan Shepard entered space in May 1963. Here he is (far left) returning from another space exploration.
David Wilson/flickr
In the early 1800s the mill was churning out 500,000 yard of fabric each week!
Massmatt/flickr
When Governor John Wentworth incorporated Wolfeboro in 1770 he also built a summer mansion on the shore of what is now Lake Wentworth, giving Wolfeboro the claim of being the oldest resort town in the country.
The Conversation/creative commons
All voters in Dixville Notch gather together at midnight on election day to cast their ballots. The tradition has made the tiny town an international attraction for reporters and pundits every four years.
Nadia Peek/flickr
There’s no surprises there, since skiers still enjoy the slopes today.
Faung’s Photos/flickr
Curse the farmer who designed the alarm to help him get up at 4 a.m. daily.
J. Stephen Conn/flickr
Can you name him? Franklin Pierce lived in Hillsborough and you can still visit his homestead there today.
Kim Davies/flickr
We’ve always taken protecting our liberties seriously.
totoro_friend/flickr
The plants were brought to the New World by Scottish settlers.
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