New Hampshire is an interesting state in the northeastern United States. It’s known for its beautiful mountains, forests, and lakes. The state has a rich history and many cool facts that kids will enjoy learning about.
New Hampshire became the 9th state to join the United States in 1788. Its nickname is the Granite State because of its rocky landscape. The state motto is “Live Free or Die,” which shows how much the people of New Hampshire value their freedom and independence.
Kids can learn about New Hampshire’s wildlife, like moose and black bears, that live in its forests. The state also has fun places to visit, such as the White Mountains for hiking and skiing. Learning about New Hampshire can be an exciting way for kids to discover more about the United States.
Geography of New Hampshire
New Hampshire has diverse geography with mountains, lakes, rivers, and forests. The state’s landscape includes the White Mountains, numerous lakes and waterways, and several major cities.
Mountains and Highlands
The White Mountains dominate northern New Hampshire. Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, stands at 6,288 feet. It’s famous for its harsh weather and strong winds. The Presidential Range includes other tall mountains like Mount Adams and Mount Jefferson.
The Appalachian Trail runs through the White Mountains. Hikers enjoy scenic views and challenging trails. Ski resorts attract visitors in winter.
Lakes and Rivers
Lake Winnipesaukee is New Hampshire’s largest lake. It covers 71 square miles and has 253 islands. People enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming there.
The Connecticut River forms the western border with Vermont. It’s the longest river in New England. The Merrimack River flows through central New Hampshire.
Many smaller lakes and ponds dot the state. They provide homes for wildlife and recreation spots for people.
Major Cities and Towns
Concord is the state capital. It has about 43,000 people. The State House, built in 1819, is a key landmark.
Manchester is the largest city with around 115,000 residents. It has a rich industrial history and is now a business center.
Nashua, near the Massachusetts border, is known for its technology companies. Portsmouth, on the coast, has a historic seaport and naval shipyard.
Natural Resources
Forests cover about 80% of New Hampshire. They provide timber and maple syrup. Granite quarries give the state its nickname: The Granite State.
The state has some mineral deposits like mica and beryl. Clean water is a vital resource from the many lakes and rivers.
New Hampshire’s natural beauty attracts tourists. Mountains, forests, and lakes support outdoor activities year-round.
History of New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a rich history spanning thousands of years. The area was home to Native American tribes long before European settlers arrived. Later, it became one of the original 13 colonies and played a key role in America’s founding.
Native Inhabitants
The Abenaki people lived in New Hampshire for many centuries before Europeans came. They fished in the rivers and hunted in the forests. The Abenaki built wigwams and canoes. They grew corn, beans, and squash.
In winter, Abenaki tribes moved inland to protected areas. During warmer months, they returned to the coast. The Abenaki traded with other Native groups in the region.
Colonial Era
English settlers first came to New Hampshire in the early 1600s. They built towns along the coast. In 1623, the first permanent settlement was created at what is now Dover.
New Hampshire became a separate colony in 1679. Before that, it was part of Massachusetts. The colonists farmed, fished, and cut timber. They traded goods like fish and lumber with England and other colonies.
Life was often hard for early settlers. They faced harsh winters and conflicts with Native Americans.
Road to Statehood
New Hampshire played an important part in the American Revolution. In 1774, colonists captured guns from Fort William and Mary. This was one of the first acts of rebellion against Britain.
New Hampshire declared independence from Britain in January 1776. It was the first colony to do so. New Hampshire signed the United States Constitution in 1788. It became the 9th state to join the new nation.
New Hampshire in American History
After statehood, New Hampshire grew and changed. Factories and mills were built along rivers. The state became known for making textiles and shoes.
New Hampshire has been home to many famous Americans. Franklin Pierce, the 14th U.S. president, was from New Hampshire. So was Daniel Webster, a great senator and orator.
The state has played a special role in presidential politics. Since 1920, New Hampshire has held the first primary election in each presidential race.
Government and Politics
New Hampshire has a unique government structure and active political scene. The state holds frequent elections and has produced several notable politicians over the years.
State Government Structure
New Hampshire’s government has three main parts: executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The governor leads the executive branch. The legislative branch is called the General Court. It has two parts – the Senate and the House of Representatives. The judicial branch includes the state’s courts.
The governor serves a two-year term. This is different from most other states, where governors serve for four years. New Hampshire elects its governor every two years.
The General Court makes laws for the state. It has 424 total members. This makes it one of the largest state legislatures in the United States.
Political Parties
Two main political parties are active in New Hampshire: Republicans and Democrats. The state often swings between the two parties in elections. This makes New Hampshire an important “swing state” in national politics.
Third parties and independent candidates also run in New Hampshire elections. The state allows voters to register without joining a political party. These voters are called “undeclared” or “independent” voters.
New Hampshire hosts the first-in-the-nation presidential primary every four years. This gives the state an outsized role in choosing presidential nominees.
Elections and Voting
New Hampshire holds state elections every two years. Voters choose the governor, executive council members, and all state legislators. The state also elects two U.S. Senators and two members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
To vote in New Hampshire, you must be:
- At least 18 years old
- A U.S. citizen
- A resident of New Hampshire
The state allows same-day voter registration. This means you can register to vote on election day at your polling place.
New Hampshire uses paper ballots for all elections. This helps ensure accurate vote counts.
Noteworthy Politicians
Several famous politicians have come from New Hampshire. Franklin Pierce, the 14th U.S. President, was born in the state. He served as president from 1853 to 1857.
Daniel Webster, a famous senator and orator, was also from New Hampshire. He served as U.S. Secretary of State three times in the 1800s.
More recently, Jeanne Shaheen became the first woman elected as both governor and U.S. Senator from New Hampshire. She has served in the Senate since 2009.
Chris Sununu is the current governor of New Hampshire. He was first elected in 2016 and has won re-election twice.
Economy
New Hampshire has a diverse economy with several important industries. The state faces some economic challenges but also has many job opportunities for its residents.
Key Industries
Manufacturing is a big part of New Hampshire’s economy. The state makes computer parts, medical devices, and other high-tech products. Tourism also brings in lots of money. Many people visit New Hampshire’s mountains, lakes, and beaches each year.
Agriculture is important too. Farms in the state grow apples, blueberries, and maple syrup. Dairy farms produce milk and cheese.
Employment Trends
Most people in New Hampshire work in service jobs. This includes jobs in stores, restaurants, and hotels. Healthcare is another major employer. Hospitals and doctors’ offices need many workers.
The state has a low unemployment rate. This means most people who want a job can find one. Many residents work for small businesses rather than big companies.
Economic Challenges
New Hampshire faces some economic problems. Housing costs are high in many parts of the state. This makes it hard for some people to afford homes.
The state’s population is getting older on average. As people retire, some businesses struggle to find new workers.
Energy costs can be high, especially in winter. This is tough for both families and businesses.
Education System
New Hampshire offers strong public and private schooling options from elementary through college levels. The state emphasizes high academic standards and local control of schools.
Primary and Secondary Schools
New Hampshire has about 500 public schools serving K-12 students. The state sets learning standards but gives local districts control over curriculum. Class sizes are often small, with an average of 15 students per teacher.
New Hampshire has many private schools too. These include religious schools, boarding schools, and specialized academies. Some well-known private high schools are Phillips Exeter Academy and St. Paul’s School.
Students take state tests in grades 3-8 and once in high school. New Hampshire’s graduation rate is over 90%, one of the highest in the U.S.
Higher Education Institutions
New Hampshire has 30 colleges and universities. The largest public school is the University of New Hampshire in Durham. It offers over 200 degree programs to about 15,000 students.
Other public options include Plymouth State University and Keene State College. The state also has a network of community colleges with seven campuses.
For private colleges, Dartmouth College in Hanover is part of the prestigious Ivy League. Franklin Pierce University and Southern New Hampshire University are other private choices. Many New Hampshire schools are known for strong liberal arts programs.
Demographics and Culture
New Hampshire has a unique blend of people and traditions. The state celebrates its history through various events. Many residents have deep roots in the area.
Population Statistics
New Hampshire’s population is about 1.4 million people. Most live in the southern part of the state. The largest city is Manchester, with around 115,000 residents. Concord, the capital, has about 43,000 people.
New Hampshire is not very diverse. About 90% of people are white. Hispanic and Asian residents make up small but growing groups. The state has an older population compared to the U.S. average. Many young people move away for work or school.
Cultural Heritage
New Hampshire has strong ties to its past. Many towns have old buildings from colonial times. The state values independence and local government. Town meetings are still common for making decisions.
Granite mining was once big in New Hampshire. This gave it the nickname “The Granite State.” Maple syrup making is another old tradition that continues today. Many farms offer tours during sugaring season.
New Hampshire is known for its beautiful fall colors. Leaf peeping brings many visitors each year.
Festivals and Events
New Hampshire hosts many fun events all year. The Pumpkin Festival in Laconia is a fall favorite. People carve thousands of jack-o-lanterns. In winter, the Ice Castles in North Woodstock amaze visitors.
Summer brings the Granite State Music Festival in Concord. It features local bands and food. The Lancaster Fair is one of the oldest in the U.S. It has farm animals, rides, and contests.
The League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair shows off local art. It happens every August in Newbury. These events bring communities together and share New Hampshire culture.
Landmarks and Attractions
New Hampshire has many cool places to see and visit. Kids can explore nature, learn about history, and have fun at different sites across the state.
Natural Wonders
The White Mountains are a big draw in New Hampshire. Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, has a cog railway that takes visitors to the top. Kids can ride up and see amazing views.
Franconia Notch State Park is home to the Flume Gorge. This 800-foot long crack in the rocks lets people walk on boardwalks between towering granite walls. It’s a neat place to see how glaciers shaped the land.
The Lakes Region offers spots like Lake Winnipesaukee for swimming, boating, and fishing in summer. In fall, the colorful leaves make for pretty drives and hikes.
Historical Sites
Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth is an outdoor history museum. It has 32 old buildings from different time periods. People dress up in old-time clothes to show how life used to be.
The Robert Frost Farm in Derry lets kids see where the famous poet lived and wrote. They can walk the same trails that inspired his poems.
Fort Constitution in New Castle dates back to the 1600s. Kids can explore the old fort walls and learn about its role in the American Revolution.
Museums and Educational Centers
The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord teaches about space and aviation. It has a planetarium and hands-on exhibits. Kids can see real rockets and learn about New Hampshire’s own astronaut, Christa McAuliffe.
The SEE Science Center in Manchester offers fun experiments and displays. Children can build with giant LEGOs or watch cool science shows.
The Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center shows how weather works. Kids can feel hurricane-force winds in a special chamber and learn about extreme mountain weather.
Transportation
New Hampshire has a diverse transportation system. It includes major highways, public transit options, and airports. These connect people across the state and beyond.
Major Highways
Interstate 93 is the main north-south highway in New Hampshire. It runs from the Massachusetts border to the White Mountains. Interstate 95 passes through the southeast corner of the state. This road links New Hampshire to Maine and Massachusetts.
Other key highways include:
- Interstate 89 (northwest to Vermont)
- U.S. Route 3 (north-south through central NH)
- U.S. Route 4 (east-west across southern NH)
These roads help people travel around New Hampshire easily. They connect cities, towns, and tourist spots.
Public Transportation
Buses are the main form of public transit in New Hampshire. Manchester Transit Authority runs city buses in Manchester. Nashua Transit System serves Nashua and nearby towns.
Concord Area Transit operates in the state capital region. These bus systems help people get around without cars.
For longer trips, Concord Coach Lines offers intercity bus service. It connects New Hampshire to Boston and other New England cities.
The state has limited passenger rail service. Amtrak’s Downeaster train runs from Boston to Maine. It stops in Exeter, Durham, and Dover.
Airports and Aviation
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is New Hampshire’s largest airport. It offers flights to many U.S. cities. This airport serves over 1 million passengers each year.
Portsmouth International Airport at Pease is another option. It has some commercial flights and serves as a refueling stop.
Smaller regional airports include:
- Lebanon Municipal Airport
- Dillant-Hopkins Airport in Keene
- Laconia Municipal Airport
These airports mostly handle private planes and small aircraft. They support business travel and tourism in different parts of the state.
Climate and Weather
New Hampshire has four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant. Winter brings cold temperatures and lots of snow.
The state gets about 46 inches of rain each year. This is more than the U.S. average of 38 inches. New Hampshire also sees around 68 inches of snow annually.
Spring and fall are mild with colorful foliage in autumn. Temperatures vary across the state. Southern areas are warmer than the mountains in the north.
Weather can change quickly in New Hampshire. Storms sometimes happen year-round. Mount Washington is known for extreme weather. It once recorded wind speeds of 231 miles per hour!
New Hampshire’s climate allows for many outdoor activities. People enjoy skiing in winter and hiking in summer. Fall brings beautiful colors as leaves change.
The state’s weather impacts daily life. Residents prepare for snow in winter. They also enjoy warm beach days in summer. New Hampshire’s varied climate keeps things interesting all year long.
Flora and Fauna
New Hampshire has lots of different plants and animals. The state tree is the white birch. It has a white bark that peels off in thin layers.
The state flower is the purple lilac. It blooms in spring and smells sweet.
New Hampshire’s forests have many types of trees. Some common ones are maple, oak, and pine.
The state animal is the white-tailed deer. These deer can be seen in woods and fields across New Hampshire.
Black bears also live in the state’s forests. They like to eat berries and nuts.
The state bird is the purple finch. It has a red head and breast.
In lakes and rivers, you can find fish like trout and bass. The state freshwater fish is the brook trout.
The state saltwater fish is the striped bass. It lives in the ocean near New Hampshire’s coast.
New Hampshire also has smaller animals like squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons. These are often seen in backyards and parks.
Many kinds of birds fly through New Hampshire. Some stay all year, while others only visit in certain seasons.
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