Welcome to New Hampshire, a state known as the Granite State because of its many granite rocks. This state has a cool history and is an important part of America’s story. Let’s dive into some exciting facts and events that make New Hampshire special!
On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire did something really important. It became the ninth state to agree to the United States Constitution. This was a big deal because the Constitution needed nine states to say “yes” before it could start working. New Hampshire’s decision helped set up the rules for the U.S. government.
New Hampshire was the first state to say it wanted to be free from England, even before the famous Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. This showed how brave and determined the people of New Hampshire were in the fight for freedom.
In 1833, New Hampshire opened the Peterborough Town Library, the first public library in the world that was paid for by taxes. This was a new idea that helped people get access to books and learning, and it inspired other places to start their own libraries.
Did you know that the first American to travel into space was from New Hampshire? His name was Alan Shepard, and his amazing journey into space was a huge step forward for space exploration. This made New Hampshire proud and famous for its role in science and discovery.
Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, was from New Hampshire. He was the only president from this state and served from 1853 to 1857. His time as president is an important part of New Hampshire’s history.
New Hampshire is also known for its beautiful mountains and colorful fall leaves. People from all over come to see the amazing scenery and enjoy outdoor fun like hiking and exploring nature. It’s a perfect place for anyone who loves the outdoors!
New Hampshire, the Granite State, is full of history and natural wonders. From helping America become independent to leading in education and space travel, New Hampshire is a state with a lot to offer. It’s a place of beauty and importance that continues to charm everyone who visits.
Granite Rock Hunt: Go on a mini adventure in your backyard or a nearby park to find different types of rocks. Bring a small bag to collect a few samples. Once you have your collection, try to identify which ones might be granite by looking for the speckled pattern of minerals. Discuss with your family or friends why New Hampshire might be called the Granite State. What makes granite special?
Create Your Own Library: Inspired by the first public library in New Hampshire, set up a mini library at home. Choose a few of your favorite books and arrange them on a shelf. Invite family members to borrow books from your library. Think about why having access to books is important and how it helps us learn new things. How would life be different if we didn’t have libraries?
Space Exploration Imagination: Alan Shepard was the first American in space, and he was from New Hampshire! Imagine you are an astronaut like Alan. Draw a picture of what you think space looks like or write a short story about your adventure in space. What would you see? How would you feel? Share your drawing or story with your class or family and discuss why space exploration is exciting and important.
