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Meredith Bay, Lake Winnipesaukee
Photograph by John Mucci |
Welcome
to the beautiful state of New Hampshire! From the heavily forested north country,
to its rugged mountains and clear blue lakes, to its historic coast, New Hampshire
is naturally a magnet for vacationers.
When the snows
fall in the winter, New Hampshire becomes a true winter wonderland. Visitors from all
over flock to the many mountain resorts, enjoying skiing on spectacular terrain that
ranges from novice to expert. Cross-country skiing is also booming, with hundreds of
miles of groomed trails weaving throughout the fields and forests.
When summer
arrives, boaters and swimmers head for the sparkling blue lakes, hikers and campers
seek out the beauty of the mountains, and beach lovers head for the ocean.
No words can
adequately describe what happens in fall in New Hampshire. The hills become a festival
of fall foliage color, the days are clear and crisp, the skies of the deepest blue, and
the lakes sparkle with brilliant sunlight. Everywhere, there is color; in the fields
and forests, on the hills, and in the picture-book villages. Yellows and browns, brilliant
orange and fiery red, the changing foliage attracts visitors from all over the world to
see this glorious and spectacular display.
| THE NAME:
Captain John Mason received a grant for land in 1629. He named this land New Hampshire
after the English county of Hampshire where he had enjoyed a number of years as a child.
Source: Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S.
State
Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut - 1994 |
| THE NICKNAMES:
The Granite State: New Hampshire's most popular nickname, "The Granite State," refers to the extensive
granite quarries in the state. Granite is the official State Rock of New Hampshire.
The Mother of Rivers: This nickname refers to the New England rivers that originate in the White Mountains
of the state.
The White Mountain State: New Hampshire is called "The White Mountain State" after the White Mountain range
the cuts across the northern half of the state. Mt.
Washington, in the White Mountain Range, is the highest point in the Northeastern United States. It's also
noted for "the world's worst weather."
Switzerland of America: This nickname again references the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Early visitors
related the White Mountains to the mountains of Switzerland.
Source: Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State
Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut - 1994
Shankle, George Earlie, Phd State Names, Flags, Seals, Songs, Birds, Flowers and
Other Symbols H. H. Wilson Company, New York - 1938 (Reprint) |
THE CITIZENS:
People who live in New Hampshire or who come from New Hampshire are called New Hampshirites and sometimes
New Hampshiremen and New Hampshirewomen. |
THE QUARTER:
The New Hampshire quarter depicts one of New Hampshire's greatest natural attractions,
"The Old Man of the Mountain," a rock formation found on Mt. Cannon in Franconia Notch.
"The New Hampshire quarter will give the rest of the nation a sense of New Hampshire's natural
beauty, its rich history and the character of our people," said Governor Shaheen.
For more on the state commemorative quarters, visit this page.
This 50 State Quarter Map is a great way to collect and display all 50 State Quarters. |
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