37 Interesting and Unique Fun Facts about New Hampshire

37 Interesting and Unique Fun Facts about New Hampshire, New Hampshire positioned as the 41st most populous and the 46th most extensive state among the 50 United States, achieved statehood on June 21, 1788. As the 9th state to enter the union, it holds a significant place in American history.

Geographical Location
Situated in the New England region of the northeastern United States, New Hampshire stands proud among its neighboring states—Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

Geographic and Nickname Insights
Known as the “Granite State,” “Mother of Rivers,” and “White Mountain State,” New Hampshire boasts diverse natural landscapes and remarkable geological formations. Its striking granite formations, abundant rivers, and the picturesque White Mountains contribute to its unique charm.

County Count and Capital
Comprising 10 counties, New Hampshire’s capital city is Concord, serving as a focal point for administrative and cultural activities within the state.

Postal Abbreviation
The postal abbreviation attributed to New Hampshire is NH, an identifier recognized nationally.

Through its rich history, geographical features, and cultural significance, New Hampshire stands as a testament to the diversity and natural beauty of the United States’ northeastern region.

Interesting and Unique Fun Facts about New Hampshire

1. Granite State’s Architectural Legacy
New Hampshire earned its moniker “The Granite State” due to its prolific granite supply used in constructing significant edifices in Boston, Washington D.C., and several other towns. The renowned Conway Granite with its pink hue and the Concord Granite known for its gray shade were quarried locally and widely distributed, deriving their names from their respective towns.

2. Historical Roots from Across the Atlantic
The state is christened “New Hampshire” after Hampshire County in England, signifying a historical connection to its British origins.

3. Revolutionary Motto and Independence
Embracing the motto “Live Free or Die,” New Hampshire made history by declaring its independence from England in Exeter on January 5, 1776. It proudly stands as the ninth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

4. Pioneering Constitutional Independence
New Hampshire made colonial history by crafting the first-ever constitution and asserting independence from Great Britain in 1776.

5. Cog Railway Marvel The world’s inaugural cog railway, operational since 1869, still propels trains up Mt. Washington, ranking as the second steepest rack railway globally.

6. Innovative High School Sport: Ski Jumping New Hampshire stands as the sole state offering ski jumping as a high school sport, nurturing Olympian Bode Miller, a six-time Olympic medalist, whose skiing expertise took root in Franconia.

7. Tidal River Power: Piscataqua River The Piscataqua River in New Hampshire holds the distinction of being the third-fastest tidal river in the United States, showcasing the state’s diverse natural landscapes.

8. Space Odyssey: Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr.
Born in New Hampshire, Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. achieved stellar feats by becoming the first American to journey into space in 1961. His spacewalk in 1971 made him the fifth man to walk on the moon, following a 116-mile, fifteen-minute initial space flight.

9. Mount Washington’s Mighty Winds
Mount Washington witnessed monumental ground winds reaching 231 miles per hour on April 12, 1934, setting a world record, which stood until 1996. These extraordinary wind speeds mirror the intensity of Category 5 hurricanes and F4 tornadoes.

10. Unique FAA-Approved Ice Runway
Hosting the sole FAA-approved ice runway in the contiguous 48 states, New Hampshire’s Winnipesaukee Lake boasts the Alton Bay Seaplane Base. Operational since 2009, this runway spans 2,730 feet in length and 100 feet in width, offering a distinctive aviation platform.

11. Verdant Woodlands
New Hampshire boasts over 80% forest cover, positioning itself as the second-most forested state in the U.S. after Maine.

12. Inaugural Potato Cultivation
In 1719, New Hampshire witnessed the first-ever potato planting in the United States, marking a significant milestone in American agricultural history.

13. Ralph Baer’s Gaming Legacy
Manchester, NH unveiled the Ralph Baer Memorial to honor the “father of video games,” Ralph Henry Baer. His groundbreaking creation, the “Brown Box,” sold to Magnavox in 1972, revolutionized the gaming industry, leading to the birth of the multibillion-dollar gaming empire. Baer’s legacy encompasses over 150 patents awarded during his illustrious lifetime.

14. Coastline Dimensions New Hampshire boasts the shortest coastline among U.S. states, measuring a mere 18 miles, presenting a petite yet picturesque coastal expanse.

15. Pioneering Public Library The world witnessed the establishment of the first-ever tax-supported public library in Peterborough, New Hampshire, dating back to 1833, laying the foundation for public access to knowledge and literature.

16. Historic Women Workers Strike The inaugural strike by female laborers in the U.S. unfolded in New Hampshire on December 30, 1828. Nearly 400 mill girls protested the new factory policies at the Dover Cotton Factory, contesting wage reductions and prohibitions on talking during work hours.

17. Origins of the Thirteen Colonies Originating as one of the original thirteen colonies, New Hampshire underwent a series of name changes—from “North Virginia” to “New England” before ultimately adopting its current name.

18. Birth of a State Motto The revolutionary war hero, John Stark, etched the words “Live Free or Die” in a letter addressed to veterans of the Battle of Bennington, a poignant slogan that later became New Hampshire’s state motto in 1945.

19. Birthplace of Uncle Sam Samuel Wilson, famously known as Uncle Sam, spent his formative years in Mason, New Hampshire, shaping the origins of this patriotic figure.

20. Presidential Birthplace Franklin Pierce, the fourteenth U.S. President, was born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, marking a significant presidential lineage in the state’s history.

21. Remarkable Covered Bridge The Cornish-Windsor Bridge in New Hampshire stands as the world’s longest wooden covered bridge and spans approximately 449 feet, a testament to the state’s architectural heritage and craftsmanship.

22. Economic Landmark: Bretton Woods Conference Mount Washington Hotel hosted the historic Bretton Woods International Monetary Conference in July 1944, laying the groundwork for global finance by establishing the American dollar as the international standard. It also led to the founding of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

23. Unique Tax Landscape New Hampshire levies no tax on earned income, distinguishing itself among states; however, it does tax investment income, sharing this characteristic only with Tennessee.

24. Lunar Recognition Ambrose Swasey, an esteemed astronomer born in Exeter, New Hampshire, earned recognition with a lunar crater named in his honor.

25. Largest State House Hosting a membership of 400 representatives, New Hampshire’s state house stands as the most extensive among all state legislative bodies, underscoring its commitment to democratic representation.

26. Eclectic State Nicknames
Beyond its official monikers, New Hampshire embraces several nicknames that reflect its diverse landscape: “Mother of Rivers,” honoring the origins of New England rivers in its mountains; “White Mountain State,” paying homage to its striking white mountain range; and “Switzerland of America,” celebrating its captivating mountain vistas.

27. Majestic Moose of New Hampshire
The moose reigns as the largest land mammal in New Hampshire, averaging 1,000 pounds in weight and standing impressively at 6 feet tall at the shoulders. Their unique physical traits, including longer front legs, facilitate their adeptness at navigating obstacles like fallen trees and debris. Their heightened sense of smell and hearing further contributes to their survival skills.

28. Lakeside Recreation Hotspots
Lake Winnipesaukee, along with its adjacent lakes Winnisquam and Opechee, becomes the focal point of recreational activities during the non-skiing months of the year, inviting residents and visitors alike to indulge in lakeside leisure and water-centric pursuits.

29. Geographic Heart of New Hampshire
Situated 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Ashland, Belknap County stands as the geographic epicenter of New Hampshire, highlighting the state’s diverse and centralized landscape.

30. Distinctive Traffic Regulations
Setting itself apart, New Hampshire holds the unique status of being the sole state in the U.S. that doesn’t mandate seat belt use for adults driving motor vehicles, nor does it enforce the use of helmets for motorcycle riders.

31. Energy Cost Statistics
Ranking among the top ten states for monthly energy expenditure, New Hampshire households, on average, allocate approximately $550 monthly for electricity, natural gas, motor fuel, and home heating combined. While Wyoming leads this expense with $738 monthly, New Mexico stands as the most economical at $377. These findings were sourced from Wallet Hub’s comprehensive research.

32. Economic Landscape: Poverty Rate and Wealth
New Hampshire proudly claims the lowest poverty rate across the United States and stands among the nation’s most affluent states, reflecting a robust economic environment.

33. State Capitol Selection Anecdote
Concord, Hopkinton, and Salisbury were initially considered for constructing the state capitol. Eventually, Concord was chosen, potentially due to the availability of granite in its northern area. Remarkably, inmates from the state prison contributed to the construction by cutting, shaping, and facing the stones. The original cost of the building was approximately $82,000.

34. Significant Decrease in Traffic Fatalities
In 2019, New Hampshire witnessed a significant 30% decline in traffic-related deaths compared to the previous year. This remarkable reduction is attributed to the vigilance and alertness of Granite Staters while operating vehicles, showcasing the state’s commitment to road safety.

35. Diverse State Park Network
New Hampshire boasts an impressive array of natural spaces, managing a portfolio of 93 state park properties. The renowned Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site stands as the sole national park site within the state’s borders.

36. Rich Biodiversity
Playing host to a diverse ecosystem, New Hampshire shelters over 500 species of vertebrate animals, showcasing the state’s commitment to preserving biodiversity.

37. Vibrant Tourism Industry
New Hampshire’s flourishing tourism sector proudly stands as the state’s second-largest industry. Drawing visitors with its natural beauty and diverse attractions, tourism plays a pivotal role in the state’s economic landscape, showcasing New Hampshire’s allure as a prime travel destination.

New Hampshire’s Flag: Symbolism, History, and Noteworthy Facts

Flag Information of New Hampshire	Facts
Design and Symbolism	The flag showcases the Great Seal of New Hampshire encircled by a golden ornamental border on a blue field. It depicts the USS Raleigh, a granite boulder, and stars, representing the state’s maritime history, victory, rugged landscape, and status as the 9th state in the Union.
Adoption	The current flag was adopted in 1931 following a revised state seal law.
Technical Details	Flag proportion is 2:3, with dots between words around the seal.
History
First Independent Seal	In 1774, the Provincial Congress discarded Royal Seals and crafted a seal with arrows, a fish, and a pine tree representing counties, fishing, and lumber.
First Official State Seal	In 1776, upon statehood, a new seal with similar symbols was adopted.
Second Seal	In 1784, a seal featuring a ship on stocks with a rising sun represented the booming shipbuilding industry.
Seal Reproduction Issues	In 1919, inconsistencies in seal reproductions led to a 1931 committee to standardize the seal.
1931 State Seal Law	The USS Raleigh became the centerpiece, English replaced Latin inscriptions, and a granite boulder was mandated.
Flag Facts
USS Raleigh	Honors Sir Walter Raleigh, a prominent figure in England during Queen Elizabeth’s reign.
Flag Redesign Attempts	Timothy Josephson proposed a redesign to incorporate the Old Man of the Mountain or the motto “Live Free or Die,” but it wasn’t pursued by House leadership.

New Hampshire: Quick State Facts and Notable Symbols

State Capital	Concord
State Rank by Population	41st
State Abbreviation	NH
State Size	Total (Land + Water): 9,350 sq miles; Land Only: 8,968 sq miles
State Flag	New Hampshire flag
State Rank by Area	46th
State Nickname	Granite State
State Animal	White-tailed Deer
State Fish	Brook Trout
State Amphibian	Red-spotted Newt
State Butterfly	Karner Blue Butterfly
State Dog	Chinook
State Flower	Purple Lilac
State Fruit	Pumpkin
State Gem	Smokey quartz
State Insect	Ladybug
State Mineral	Beryl
State Tree	White Birch
State Wildcat	Bobcat
State Wildflower	Pink lady’s slipper
State Seal	Seal of New Hampshire.svg
State Coat of Arms	New Hampshire state coat of arms (illustrated, 1876).jpg
State Motto	Live Free or Die
Highest Point	Mount Washington, 6,288 ft (1916.66 m)
Lowest Point	Atlantic Ocean, Sea level
Longitude	70° 36′ W to 72° 33′ W
Latitude	42° 42′ N to 45° 18′ N
Length	190 miles (305 km)
Width	68 miles (110 km)
Population	1,395,231 (Estimate July 1, 2022)
Statehood	June 21, 1788
State Rank by Date of Formation	9th
Number of Counties	10
Demonym	Granite Stater, New Hampshirite
Bordering States	Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont
Official Language	English
Governor	Chris Sununu (R)
Electoral Votes	4
Noble Prize Winners	George H. Whipple (Physiology or Medicine, 1934)
Famous People	Wilson Bethel (Actor), Ray LaMontagne (Singer)
U.S. President Born in NH	Franklin Pierce
% Water	4.2
Time Zone	Eastern Time Zone
Website	www.nh.gov
Area Codes	603
Table Last Updated	November 22, 2023

New Hampshire: Quick State Facts and Notable Symbols

Attribute	Description
State Abbreviation	NH
State Capital	Concord
Largest City	Manchester
State Size	Total (Land + Water): 9,350 sq miles; Land Only: 8,968 sq miles
Population	1,395,231 (Estimate July 1, 2022)
Statehood	June 21, 1788
State Rank by Population	41st
State Rank by Date of Formation	9th
State Rank by Area	46th
Number of Counties	10
Demonym	Granite Stater, New Hampshirite
Bordering States	Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont
Official Language	English
Highest Point	Mount Washington, 6,288 ft (1916.66 m)
Lowest Point	Atlantic Ocean, Sea level
Length	190 miles (305 km)
Width	68 miles (110 km)
Governor	Chris Sununu (R)
Electoral Votes	4
State Motto	Live Free or Die
State Nickname	Granite State
% Water	4.2
Noble Prize Winners	George H. Whipple (Physiology or Medicine, 1934)
Famous People	Wilson Bethel (Actor), Ray LaMontagne (Singer)
U.S. President Born in NH	Franklin Pierce
State Flag	New Hampshire flag
State Seal	Seal of New Hampshire.svg
State Coat of Arms	New Hampshire state coat of arms (illustrated, 1876).jpg
State Amphibian	Red-spotted Newt
State Animal	White-tailed Deer
State Bird	Purple finch
State Butterfly	Karner Blue Butterfly
State Dog	Chinook
State Fish	Brook Trout
State Flower	Purple Lilac
State Fruit	Pumpkin
State Gem	Smokey quartz
State Insect	Ladybug
State Mineral	Beryl
State Tree	White Birch
State Wildcat	Bobcat
State Wildflower	Pink lady’s slipper
Longitude	70° 36′ W to 72° 33′ W
Latitude	42° 42′ N to 45° 18′ N
Time Zone	Eastern Time Zone
Website	www.nh.gov
Area Codes	603
Table Last Updated	November 22, 2023

Facts about New Hampshire’s Flag:

• New Hampshire’s flag exhibits the Great Seal of the state, framed by a golden border on a blue field, emphasizing its maritime history and contributions to the American Revolution.
• It features the USS Raleigh, a 32-gun frigate, surrounded by a laurel wreath, symbolizing honor and victory. A granite boulder at the harbor represents the state’s strong character and rugged landscape.
• The state motto “Live Free or Die” is depicted on the flag, highlighting New Hampshire’s spirit of independence.
• Initially established in 1774, the state seal underwent multiple revisions before the present design was adopted in 1931, aiming to clarify and standardize the flag’s imagery and symbols.

Interesting and Unique Fun Facts about New Hampshire FAQs