History of New Hampshire, USA

1603 - The first recorded visit to New Hampshire took place in 1603, when an English sea captain, Martin Pring, explored the shoreline and a small part of the interior.

www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ new-hampshire.html

1614 - Captain John Smith explores New Hampshire region

The World Almanac of the U.S.A, by Allan Carpenter and Carl Provorse, 1996

1680 - New Hampshire separated from Massachusetts.
In 1680, New Hampshire officially separated from Massachusetts, marking a significant moment in the colonial history of the region. The separation was the culmination of years of disputes and conflicting interests between the two areas. New Hampshire had been a part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony since the 1630s, but by the late 17th century, differences in governance, economy, and culture had become pronounced.

The separation was partly driven by the desire of New Hampshire residents for more local control and autonomy. The new colony of New Hampshire was established with its own government, allowing for more direct management of local affairs.
virtualnorfolk.org

1725 - February 20 - 10 sleeping Indians scalped by whites in New Hampshire for £100 a scalp bounty

onthisday.com
February 20, 1725

1735-1736 - Throat Distemper
"In 1735 - 1736 the town of Kingston suffered a pandemic of throat distemper and lost 150 children, most under the age of 10. The disease spread to the seacoast and to Massachusetts. In Hampton Falls twenty families lost all of their children, and 1/ 6 of the entire population perished. Almost 1,200 people in fifteen different towns in the state of New Hampshire were dead by 1737."

For more information, see:

nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/ 2014/ 11/ the-kingston-new-hampshire-throat.html

In 1741 the Province of New Hampshire was separated from Massachusetts, and Binning Wentworth of Portsmouth, was appointed Governor.

http://www.chichesternh.org/

1774 - New Hampshire first state to declare independence from England; Powder raid occurred

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1778 - New Hampshire first state to hold constitutional convention

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1784 - New Hampshire's present constitution was adopted in 1784; it is the second oldest in the country.

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1809 - New Hampshire’s state motto is “Live Free or Die” and was coined by General John Stark in 1809

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January 19, 1810 - The famous "cold day" in New England. Gale force winds wrecked homes, and accompanied a sudden overnight drop in temperature of 50 degrees. Tradgedy struck Sanbornton NH where three children froze to death.

WeatherForYou.com
January 19, 1810

1815 - September 23 - One of the greatest hurricanes to strike New England made landfall at Long Island and crossed Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
It was the worst tempest in nearly two hundred years.
WeatherForYou.com
September 23, 1815

January 17, 1817 - A luminous snowstorm occurred in Vermont and New Hampshire. Saint Elmo's fire appeared as static discharges on roof peaks, fence posts, and the hats and fingers of people. Thunderstorms prevailed over central New England.

WeatherForYou.com
January 17, 1817

1839 - New Hampshire
NEW HAMPSHIRE
This state is bounded north by Lower Canada, east by Maine, south-east by the Atlantic and the State of Massachusetts, south by Massachusetts, and west and north-west by Vermont. Situated between 42°40' and 45°16'N. lat., and 72°27' and 70°35'W. lon. Its length is 168, and its greatest breadth about 90 miles, and it comprises an area of about 9,280 square miles.

The first discovery of New Hampshire was in 1614, and the first settlements made by Europeans were at Dover and Portsmouth in 1623; only three years after the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth. The next settlements were at Exeter and Hampton, in 1638. The inhabitants of these and all the early settlements, until after the cession of Canada to England by France, were greatly annoyed by the Indians, who existed in large and powerful bodies in this then wilderness. In the repeated and general wars with the Indians, New Hampshire suffered more than any other of the colonies. This colony was twice united with... Read MORE...

1840 - Webster-Ashburton Treaty determined official border between state of New Hampshire and Canada
In 1840, the Webster-Ashburton Treaty played a pivotal role in determining the official border between the state of New Hampshire and Canada. This treaty was the result of negotiations between the United States and Great Britain, aimed at resolving various border disputes that had persisted since the end of the American Revolution. The Treaty was named after the chief negotiators, U.S. Secretary of State Daniel Webster and British diplomat Lord Ashburton. Among other border issues, the treaty specifically addressed the boundary along the northeastern U.S., including the contentious border between New Hampshire and the Canadian province of Quebec.
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1854 - Ascent of Mt. Washington
We are informed by Mr. Thompson, of the Glen House, that three men made the ascent of Mt. Washington on the 12th of Dec. Their names were Jonathan Davis, Francis Smith and Barny McCormick. By picking their way they passed over hardly any snow. On the summit there was scarcely a breath of air stiffing, and it was so warm that the snow on the roof of the house melted and trickled from the caves. This is certainly very remarkable, taking into account the season of the year. We have been on the top of the mountain in the middle of July, when our teeth chattered as if afflicted with a fever and ague of the the worst stripe. Mr. Thompson contemplates, so he informs us, sending up a party once a month during the winter season. Mt. Washington has heretofore been deemed inaccessible at this season of the year, but our hardy mountaineers, it seems, have proved that the feat can be performed, and have won for themselves the title of the winter pioneers to the summit of Mt. Washington.
Boston Evening Transcript
Boston, Massachusetts
February 4, 1854

1870 - A New Hampshire shoemaker and his wife were both found dead in their bed, a few mornings ago.
An examination showed that the husband had died of apoplexy, and the wife of heart disease.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
July 16, 1870

1895 - New Hampshire
New Hampshire, one of the New Eng land states of the American Union, bounded N. by the province of Quebec, Canada, E. by Maine and the Atlantic, S. by Massachusetts, and W. by Vermont. Its W. boundary is the W. bank of the Connecticut River as far northward as the mouth of Hall's Stream, which affluent the state line ascends to its source, and thence it follows eastwardly the rest of one of the ranges called Notre Dame Mountains by the Canadians, till the W. boundary of Maine is reached. Its southern limit is in lat. 42°40' N. (very nearly), ex cept that eastward of the Merrimac River the state line runs as nearly as possible at a uniform distance of 5 miles to the north of that stream. Area, 9305 square miles, of which 9005 square miles constitute the land area, the en closed water surface of the state occupying 300 square miles...

Population.—The original settlers of New Hampshire were of English descent, with a large admixture of the vigorous and enterprising Scotch-Irish stock, ... Read MORE...

1899 - The very first motorized ascent of the Mount Washington auto road was by Feelan O. Stanley, of Stanley Steamer fame, in 1899.
In 1899, a significant milestone in automotive history was achieved when Freelan O. Stanley, co-founder of the Stanley Motor Carriage Company, successfully made the first motorized ascent of the Mount Washington Auto Road. This event marked a pivotal moment in the early days of motor vehicles, demonstrating the potential and durability of steam-powered cars. Stanley, known for his innovative Stanley Steamer automobiles, showcased the capability of his steam-powered vehicle by navigating the steep, rugged terrain of Mount Washington, a feat that was considered incredibly challenging at the time.

Stanley's ascent not only highlighted the advancements in automotive engineering but also played a crucial role in promoting the practical applications of motor vehicles. The successful climb of the Mount Washington Auto Road, a 7.6-mile stretch with an average grade of 11.6%, provided compelling evidence of the reliability and power of steam cars.
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1918 - May 16 - White Mountain National Forest is established as a result of the Weeks Act of 1911.
"Exploration of the White Mountains by Europeans began in the mid-17th century. In the late 18th century, after the Revolutionary War, settlers cleared forests for mixed agriculture and grazing, establishing farming communities with schools, stores, and mills. Many of these farms, and sometimes entire communities, were abandoned in the mid to late 19th century, as farming technology changed and people moved west or to cities for better economic opportunities. Large logging companies bought up the abandoned farmland and woodlots, constructing logging railroads and camps and stripping much of the timber from the mountains. The unregulated practices of these logging companies caused massive forest fires, and damaged watersheds vital to the industrial towns downstream, such as Manchester, NH, and Lowell, MA, which depended on water power to run their mills. The public began to advocate protection for the forests of the White Mountains, culminating in the creation of the White Mountain... Read MORE...

1932 - August 7 – Raymond Edward Welch becomes the first one legged man to scale the 6,288 ft. Mount Washington, NH.
On August 7, 1932, Raymond Edward Welch made history by becoming the first one-legged man to scale Mount Washington in New Hampshire, which stands at 6,288 feet. His remarkable achievement highlighted not only his physical endurance but also his determination and spirit, serving as an inspiration to many. Mount Washington is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, making Welch's feat even more impressive.

Welch's climb was a significant event in the context of the early 20th century, a time when societal attitudes toward disability were far less progressive than today. His successful ascent challenged prevailing notions about the limitations faced by individuals with disabilities, demonstrating that physical impairment does not equate to inability.
August 7, 1932

1934 - April 12 - Winds atop Mount Washington, NH, averaged 186 mph for five minutes, with a peak gust of 231 mph, the highest wind speed ever clocked in the world.

WeatherForYou.com
April 12, 1934

1936 - February 24th - 25th - 1936 - Vermont and New Hampshire received brown snow due to dust from storms in the Great Plains Region. A muddy rain fell across parts of northern New York State.

The Weather Channel
February 25, 1936

1938 - First aerial passenger tramway in North America established at Cannon Mountain
In 1938, the first aerial passenger tramway in North America was established at Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch, New Hampshire. This pioneering project marked a significant advancement in transportation technology and tourism, enabling visitors to effortlessly reach the summit of Cannon Mountain. The tramway, constructed with Swiss engineering expertise, featured enclosed cabins suspended by cables, providing a unique and scenic way to ascend the mountain. This innovation not only boosted the local tourism industry but also set a precedent for future aerial tramways in the region and beyond.
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1952 - New Hampshire introduced the nation's first presidential primary election.
In 1952, New Hampshire introduced the nation's first presidential primary election, a significant milestone in the American political landscape. Prior to this, presidential candidates were primarily chosen through party conventions and caucuses, which were often dominated by party elites and lacked broad voter participation. New Hampshire's innovation allowed registered voters to directly cast ballots for their preferred candidates, making the process more democratic and transparent. This shift not only empowered the general electorate but also set a precedent that many other states would follow, transforming the primary election process into a crucial element of American democracy.

The New Hampshire primary quickly gained prominence as an early indicator of a candidate's national appeal and viability. Because it is the first primary in the election cycle, candidates often invest significant resources in campaigning there, hoping to gain early momentum.
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ new-hampshire.html

1965 - August 29 - A national record for the month of August was established when 2.5 inches of snow fell atop Mount Washington NH.
Temperatures in New England dipped to 39 degrees at Nantucket MA, and to 25 degrees in Vermont. For many locations it was the earliest freeze of record.
WeatherForYou.com
August 29, 1965

2003 - Rocky icon, Old Man of the Mountain, collapsed
In 2003, the Old Man of the Mountain, an iconic natural rock formation in New Hampshire's White Mountains, tragically collapsed. This distinctive granite profile, resembling an old man's face, had been a symbol of the state and featured prominently on its license plates, state quarter, and many cultural artifacts. Formed over millennia through the erosion of the Franconia Notch rock face, the formation stood about 1,200 feet above Profile Lake, captivating visitors with its unique appearance.

On May 3, 2003, the formation unexpectedly fell, likely due to the natural processes of freezing and thawing that weakened the rock over time. The collapse was a significant emotional blow to New Hampshire residents and admirers worldwide, as the Old Man had been a beloved state emblem and a source of regional pride.
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New Hampshire has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the Granite State:
The White Mountains:
Explore the stunning White Mountain National Forest, home to hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives. Don't miss a hike up Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast.

Lake Winnipesaukee:
This massive lake offers boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities. You can also take a scenic cruise to enjoy the picturesque shoreline.

Hampton Beach:
Enjoy a classic beach day at Hampton Beach with its sandy shores, arcades, and boardwalk. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.

Portsmouth:
Explore the historic town of Portsmouth, known for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant arts scene. Visit the Strawbery Banke Museum and enjoy delicious seafood at local restaurants.

Mount Monadnock:
Hike to the summit of Mount Monadnock for panoramic views of southern New Hampshire. It's a popular spot for both beginners and experienced hikers.

Franconia Notch State Park:
This park offers breathtaking... Read MORE...