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General John Stark Statue

Celebrate America's 250th in the Home of Live Free or Die

New Hampshire and the American Revolution

The Granite State played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, leading with action, courage, and an independent spirit. From early steps toward self governance to lasting contributions on and off the battlefield, these numbers highlight how New Hampshire helped shape the nation.

By The Numbers: New Hampshire’s Revolutionary Story

1st

Colony

New Hampshire was the first colony to establish as an independent government in 1776. 

3

Signers

Three signers of the Declaration of Independence, Josiah Bartlett, Matthew Thornton, and William Whipple were from New Hampshire.

100

Barrels

100 Barrels of gunpowder were taken from Ft William and Mary and distributed to towns throughout the Seacoast.

1K+

NH Soldiers

Approximately 1,000 New Hampshire soldiers (two-thirds of the American forces) fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

1

Famous Quote

“Live Free or Die,” a quote by General John Stark, later became New Hampshire’s state motto.

12K+

Granite Staters

More than 12,000 Granite Staters served in the Continental Army.

250

Years

New Hampshire has more than 250+ years of fighting for the NH way of life.

Events

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10:00am

Curator’s Tour: The American Revolution at the New Hampshire Historical Society

Join Director of Education Elizabeth Dubrulle on a tour of the Society’s new exhibition, If You Had to Choose: Patriots and Loyalists in Revolutionary New Hampshire. Follow the stories of nearly a dozen New Hampshirites as they decide which side to support in what became America’s first civil war. The tour will also include the Society’s rare Revolutionary War flags and other objects currently on display associated with the conflict. Admission is free for New Hampshire Historical Society members, $10 for nonmembers. No registration required.

Location
Concord
Date
10:00am
More Details
2:00PM

Lecture: Portraits of Revolution

This program explores American portraits painted and sculpted in the years surrounding the Revolution. The ideals, values, and virtues expressly stated in our founding documents are easily identifiable in these portraits once we know how to “read” them. Guided by art historian Inez McDermott, audiences will be introduced to, and practice, some skills of art analysis and learn how art works can reveal so much about a culture. This lecture is offered through the Humanities to Go program of New Hampshire Humanities, and admission is free.

Location
Concord
Date
2:00PM
More Details
2:00PM

Lecture: Why Democracy?

Democracy is taken to be an obvious good. It often seems like the one thing we can agree on in a political debate. After all, only dictators and fools question the value of democracy, right? And yet, the benefit of democracy has been challenged again and again throughout history. Joshua Duclos leads this program that seeks to analyze, articulate, and explore the arguments on which democracy is grounded. This lecture is offered through the Humanities to Go program of New Hampshire Humanities, and admission is free.

Location
Concord
Date
2:00PM
More Details

Explore New Hampshire’s Historic Side

Explore historic moments, scenic drives, and iconic flavors and landmarks as you celebrate America’s 250th in the Granite State.  

Explore the Granite State's Role in American History

Experience history that helped shape America. From revolutionary heroes like General John Stark to iconic towns that helped forge the Granite State's spirit of independence. New Hampshire invites you to explore scenic drives, historic sites and road trips that bring 250 years of history to life.

Through the Years: New Hampshire’s Historic Highlights

1776

1st Independent Government

New Hampshire was the first colony to adopt its own state constitution, formally establishing an independent government six months before the Declaration of Independence

1788

9th State to Ratify

New Hampshire's ratification of the U.S. Constitution was the final vote needed to officially establish the government of the United States.

1833

1st Free Public Library

The town of Peterborough established the nation's first tax-supported free public library, pioneering the accessibility of knowledge and community resources

1952

1st in Nation Primary

The state holds the earliest presidential primary election every cycle, cementing New Hampshire's vital role in the national political landscape.

Moffat Ladd

New Hampshire’s Revolutionary Firsts

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