How New Hampshire Became a State

New Hampshire is a state located in the northeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian province of Quebec to the north. With a population of over 1.3 million people, New Hampshire is the 9th least populous state in the country. The state has a rich history that dates back to the early 1600s when the first European settlers arrived in the area.

Early History

Pre-colonial period

Prior to the colonization of New Hampshire, the area was inhabited by a number of Native American tribes, including the Abenaki, Pennacook, and Sokokis. These tribes were largely nomadic, relying on the land for sustenance and moving from place to place in search of resources. The Abenaki were the most populous of the tribes, and their presence in the area dates back to at least 1000 CE. They lived in small villages and relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering for sustenance. They also engaged in trade with other tribes and with the Europeans who began to arrive in the area in the early 1600s.

Colonial period

The first Europeans to settle in New Hampshire were the English, who arrived in the early 1600s. The first permanent settlement was established in 1623 in what is now Dover. The settlement was initially part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, but it was eventually granted its own charter in 1679. This charter established the Province of New Hampshire, which was a separate entity from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Province of New Hampshire was governed by a royal governor appointed by the King of England. This period saw the growth of the Province of New Hampshire, with settlements being established in Portsmouth, Exeter, and other towns. The population of the Province of New Hampshire grew steadily, and by the mid-1700s, it had become a prosperous and thriving colony.

Revolutionary War

Reasons for New Hampshire's involvement

New Hampshire's involvement in the Revolutionary War was due to its strong sense of patriotism and loyalty to the American cause. The state was eager to join the fight for independence, and its citizens were some of the first to join the Continental Army. New Hampshire was also heavily influenced by the writings of Thomas Paine, who wrote the influential pamphlet Common Sense, which argued for American independence. Additionally, the state was home to many prominent leaders of the Revolutionary War, such as General John Stark and General John Sullivan. These men were instrumental in leading the fight for American independence and their efforts were greatly appreciated by the people of New Hampshire.

Impact of the war on New Hampshire

The Revolutionary War had a significant impact on the state of New Hampshire. The war brought about a sense of unity and patriotism among the citizens of the state. The war also helped to solidify the state's commitment to the American cause, and it helped to create a sense of pride in the state's citizens. Additionally, the war helped to create a strong sense of identity for the state, as it was one of the first states to join the fight for independence. The war also had an economic impact on the state, as it helped to stimulate the economy and create new jobs in the state. Finally, the war helped to create a sense of unity among the states, as they all fought together for a common cause.

Statehood

Ratification of the Constitution

The ratification of the Constitution was a long and arduous process, but New Hampshire played a key role in its success. On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, making it the first state to do so without being part of the original thirteen colonies. This ratification was the deciding factor in the formation of the Union, as it was the ninth state needed to ratify the Constitution in order for it to become the law of the land.

The process of ratification in New Hampshire was not easy. There were many debates and disagreements between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists, and the vote was close. The Federalists, who favored the Constitution, won the vote by a slim margin of 57 to 47. This close vote showed the importance of New Hampshire's role in the formation of the Union.

New Hampshire's role in the formation of the Union

New Hampshire's role in the formation of the Union was not limited to the ratification of the Constitution. The state was also an important part of the development of the Bill of Rights. The state's representatives in the first Congress, Nicholas Gilman and John Langdon, were both instrumental in the passage of the Bill of Rights.

In addition, New Hampshire was one of the first states to ratify the Articles of Confederation, which formed the basis of the Union. This was a major step in the formation of the Union, as it was the first agreement between the thirteen colonies that established a unified government.

New Hampshire also played an important role in the Revolutionary War. The state provided troops and supplies to the Continental Army, and it was the site of several major battles. The Battle of Bennington, in particular, was a major victory for the American forces, and it helped to turn the tide of the war in their favor.

New Hampshire's role in the formation of the Union was essential, and it helped to shape the nation into what it is today. The state's ratification of the Constitution and its contributions during the Revolutionary War were key to the formation of the Union, and its representatives in the first Congress helped to ensure the passage of the Bill of Rights. New Hampshire's role in the formation of the Union was essential, and it helped to shape the nation into what it is today.