Besides its drool-worthy outdoor recreation, New Hampshire was one of the original 13 colonies and the first state to have a government independent of England and it’s own constitution. As such, it boasts a wealth of historical attractions related to the birthplace of our great nation.
Whether you’re a
history buff or just like reveling in some of America’s best landmarks, add
these parks, monuments and stops to your next New England vacation.
The Birthplace of Daniel Webster
Known as the Elms, the home of Daniel Webster, leading American senator and statesman (not to be confused with Noah Webster, dictionary author), provides an intimate look into the early American frontier days via a living history tour offered for a glimpse into life on a 1700s farm.
The Oldest Public Monument in New England
A state park on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, Endicott Rock is proof of the earliest European settlers in the area. The rock has a number of inscriptions from the mid-1600s including John Endicott, Governor of Massachusetts Bay, Edward Johnson and Simon Willard, Commissioners of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and John Sherman and Jonathan Ince, Suveyors,
The Childhood Home of the 14th President
The Franklin Pierce Homestead operated by the Hillsborough Historical Society is a sprawling country home showcasing the affluent lifestyle of 19th century elite during the time of slavery. The house has a grand ballroom and a parlor with imported European accents and beautifully appointed gardens and landscaping that does a pretty clear job distinguishing the classes.
Robert Frost’s New Hampshire Farm
Featured in 1000 Places to See Before You Die, one of the nation’s most celebrated poets and the epitome of New England, the Robert Frost Farm was home to the Pulitzer Prize winner and his family from 1900-1911. Tours, dedications and poetry readings are available, but if you’d rather find your own inspiration, wander down the trail and take in some of the east coast’s best foliage.
One of America’s Most Photographic Lighthouses
New Hampshire's only offshore lighthouse, the lighthouse at the Isles of Shoals was erected on White Island in 1820 to protect mariners from crashing into its rocky shores. Rebuilt to help fortify the coast, it features a reconstructed wooden walkway from the keeper’s cottage to the lighthouse that is quite photogenic if we do say so ourselves.