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I kind of like doing the state birthdays because, to be perfectly honest, it’s a great chance to learn some facts about each one. When I was in grade school, we had to be able to spell all the states and their capitals (which I did, by the way), but we didn’t really have to know anything about them. So it’s kind of like going back to 5th grade all over again, without having to wear the “I’m a Big Mouth” sign for talking too much in class (Mrs. Crooks, if you’re reading this, thank you for breaking me of that habit).
Today, it’s New Hampshire’s turn. One of the Thirteen Colonies, it ratified the Constitution on June 21, 1788, becoming the 9th state in the fledgling Union. Called “home” by more than 1.2 million people, New Hampshire is one of our smallest states, so much so that any two points of interest would require no more than a three hour…tour.
One place you’ll want to see (though probably from a distance) is Mount Washington. At 6288′ above sea level, it’s New Hampshire’s highest point and is famous (or infamous if you have to monitor the weather up there) for it’s brutally cold temperatures and hurricane-force winds. More hospitable destinations include the Wright Museum (a World War II museum) in Wolfeboro and the American Independence Museum in Exeter.
The state has its share of famous citizens, including Franklin Pierce, our 14th President, Senator Daniel Webster (not the dictionary guy), author John Irving, and Christa McAuliffe, the teacher who was killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
So, go and visit New Hampshire. Enjoy the forests, the lakes, and all the culture packed into this small state. Or, pack up and move there and enjoy the benefit of casting the first primary votes in every election and the added buying power of living in the only state in the Union with no state or local sales or income taxes. But please, please, PLEASE, don’t confuse New Hampshire with its upside-down western neighbor, Vermont.
Happy Birthday, New Hampshire!!
