NEW HAMPSHIRE - Before earning its place as the ninth state in the Union in 1788, New Hampshire traversed a path marked by diverse identities and names. Each title offers a glimpse into the land's rich and complex history, from its indigenous origins to its colonial past.
Native American Presence: The Land of the Pennacook
Before European arrival, the territory now recognized as New Hampshire was inhabited by various Native American tribes, most notably the Pennacook people. Their domain extended throughout present-day New Hampshire, southern Maine, and northeastern Massachusetts. They referred to their land as "Penacook," signifying "at the bottom of the hill" or "crooked place," possibly referencing the winding Merrimack River valley that served as their heartland. The Abenaki people also inhabited parts of the region, contributing to the rich tapestry of indigenous cultures that flourished there.
Colonial Era: A New Name Takes Root
The name "New Hampshire" originates from Captain John Mason, an English naval officer and colonizer who received a land grant in 1629 for the territory that would later become the state. Mason, hailing from the county of Hampshire in England, christened his new possession in honor of his homeland.
Nicknames: Reflections of Granite and Grandeur
As New Hampshire evolved from a colony to a state, it acquired a series of nicknames that captured its unique character and natural beauty.
The Granite State: This official nickname, bestowed in 1957, pays homage to the state's extensive granite formations and quarries. The durable and majestic granite, a defining feature of New Hampshire's landscape, has been used in countless buildings and monuments throughout the state and beyond.
The White Mountain State: This evocative nickname celebrates the majestic White Mountains, a range that dominates the northern part of the state. With their rugged peaks, pristine forests, and breathtaking vistas, the White Mountains have been inspired and recreated for generations.
The Mother of Rivers: This apt nickname acknowledges the numerous rivers that originate in New Hampshire's mountains, including the Merrimack, Connecticut, and Androscoggin Rivers. These waterways have played a vital role in the state's history, powering mills, facilitating transportation, and providing sustenance for its inhabitants.
The Switzerland of America: This picturesque nickname likens New Hampshire's stunning mountain scenery to that of the Swiss Alps. The comparison underscores the state's natural beauty and allure as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
New Hampshire: A State is Born
In 1776, New Hampshire declared independence from Great Britain, becoming one of the thirteen original colonies. In 1788, it officially joined the Union as the ninth state, solidifying its sovereign identity within the young nation.
New Hampshire is a testament to its rich and diverse history. Its name, borrowed from an English county, echoes its colonial past, while the enduring presence of Indigenous names like "Penacook" serves as a reminder of its Native American heritage. Its evocative nicknames, from the "Granite State" to the "Mother of Rivers," reflect the state's natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and the enduring spirit of its people.
