NATIONAL NEW HAMPSHIRE DAY
National New Hampshire Day on September 7 recognizes the 9th state to join the Union. The Granite State epitomizes New England in many ways. From its breathtaking landscapes to its fascinating history and people.
If you’ve ever wondered where the phrase “not yet begun to fight” originated, just look to one of New Hampshire’s notable naval officers, John Paul Jones.
“Live Free or Die” is the state’s motto and comes from another revolutionary hero, John Stark. In a written toast in honor of the anniversary of the Battle of Bennington, Stark’s full quote reads: “Live free or die, death is not the greatest of evils.” While he may not be the first to share the sentiment to live free or die, his toast summed up the country’s dedication to independence.
New Hampshire’s history holds more than noble quotes. Many firsts fill its timeline. In 1719, Scotch-Irish settlers brought the first potatoes to North American planting them in the settlement of Nutfield, now known as Londonderry.
Before Paul Revere had his famous ride, he made another all important journey first. In 1774, Revere rode the 55 miles from Boston to Portsmouth to warn the citizens of an impending seizure of Fort William and Mary. The village stormed the fort and took control of the ammunitions before the British arrived.
New Hampshire became the first state to established an independent government and created the first written constitution.
In 1828, when ownership changed hands at the Cocheco Manufacturing Company, the wages of only female textile mill workers were reduced. The work was already difficult, the days long and the owners placed even stricter requirements on its employees. On December 30, about 400 of the female workers walked out in what became the nation’s first all female strike. The strike failed and resulted in many of the striking workers returning to work at even lower wages.
The state is also the first to hold its primaries. Early on during election time, the country focuses its attention on New Hampshire. Another phrase often attributed to New Hampshire: “As New Hampshire goes, so goes the nation.”
Known for its fall foliage, New Hampshire’s impressive colors bring visitors every autumn. From mountains to the seaside, the state offers year-round adventure.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Join National Day Calendar as we celebrate New Hampshire’s historic places, panoramic scenery and captivating personalities. Explore all New Hampshire has to offer! Use #NationalNewHampshireDay to share on social media.
Visit the National Day Calendar page for National New Hampshire Day for all the wonderful sights and history of this beautiful state.
Each week following the week of Independence Day 2017, National Day Calendar will be announcing a National Day in honor of each state in the order they entered the union. We start with Delaware on July 13 and will complete the celebrations with Hawaii on June 27, 2018, allowing for some time off for the holidays.
