State Abbreviation: NH

Capital: Concord

Name Origin: Englishman John Mason named New Hampshire after Hampshire county in England where he’d lived as a boy. He invested in building on the land, but never left England to see it.

Nickname: Granite State

Statehood: June 21, 1788 (9th State)

State Motto: “Live free or die”

The territory of present-day New Hampshire was once inhabited by the Androscoggin and Pennacook nations of the Abenaki people. However, with the arrival of English settlers, the Native American populations were largely displaced. In 1623, under an English land grant, Captain John Smith sent settlers to establish a fishing colony at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, near present-day Rye and Dover. It was Captain John Mason, a participant in the founding of Portsmouth in 1630, who gave New Hampshire its name, inspired by Hampshire in England.

After a period of 38 years in union with Massachusetts, New Hampshire became a separate royal colony in 1679. The state played a significant role in the American Revolution, with its delegates being the first to vote for the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. In 1905, New Hampshire gained international attention when the Portsmouth Naval Base hosted the signing of the Treaty of Portsmouth, which ended the Russo-Japanese War.

Abundant water power fueled New Hampshire's early industrial development, and manufacturing remains a major source of income for the state. The principal industrial products include electrical and other machinery, textiles, pulp and paper products, and stone and clay products. Agriculture in New Hampshire is characterized by dairy and poultry farming, as well as the cultivation of fruits, truck vegetables, corn, potatoes, and hay.

New Hampshire boasts several attractions for vacationers, such as Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest among the state's 1,300 lakes and ponds. The White Mountain National Forest, covering 724,000 acres, offers stunning natural beauty. Visitors can explore Daniel Webster's birthplace near Franklin and experience the restored buildings of the original settlement at Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth. Unfortunately, in 2003, the iconic "Old Man of the Mountain," a granite head profile and the state's official emblem, fell from its perch in Franconia, marking the end of an era.

• Maple sundaes and cider donuts are popular desserts in New Hampshire.
  
• New Hampshire’s famous names include President Franklin Pierce, journalist Horace Greeley, and author Dan Brown.
  
• Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth—the site of the state’s original settlement—has 32 historic buildings where people can watch costumed performers act out life from colonial times.
  
• Mount Washington held the record for over half a century for highest surface wind speed (231 mph, 371 kph), comparable to winds in Category 5 hurricanes and F4 tornadoes.

1. Explore the White Mountains: New Hampshire's White Mountains offer breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures. Hike along scenic trails such as the Franconia Ridge Loop or Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States. During the winter months, enjoy skiing and snowboarding at popular resorts like Loon Mountain and Bretton Woods.
2. Visit Portsmouth: Discover the charming coastal city of Portsmouth, known for its historic charm and vibrant cultural scene. Stroll through the historic Strawbery Banke Museum, which showcases restored homes and exhibits from different periods in American history. Explore the bustling Market Square, lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Don't miss a visit to the USS Albacore Museum, featuring a retired U.S. Navy submarine.
3. Enjoy Lake Winnipesaukee: Spend a day on the beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee, one of New Hampshire's largest lakes. Rent a boat and go fishing, swimming, or simply relax on the lake's pristine shores. Take a scenic cruise to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty and admire the lake's islands. In the winter, the lake offers ice fishing, snowmobiling, and even ice skating.
4. Discover the Franconia Notch State Park: Located in the heart of the White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Hike the popular Flume Gorge trail, where you can walk through a narrow chasm with towering granite walls and a cascading waterfall. Take a scenic drive along the Franconia Notch Parkway to admire stunning mountain vistas and stop at attractions like the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway or the Basin, a unique pothole formation.
5. Explore the Squam Lakes Region: The Squam Lakes Region offers a tranquil retreat with its pristine lakes and picturesque landscapes. Take a boat tour or rent a kayak to explore Squam Lake, which served as the filming location for the movie "On Golden Pond." Embark on hiking trails that provide panoramic views of the surrounding forests and mountains. Visit the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center to learn about the area's wildlife and ecology through interactive exhibits and live animal presentations.