Revolutionary New Hampshire
New Hampshire played a pivotal and often underappreciated role in the American Revolution, contributing both early acts of defiance and significant resources to the Patriot cause. Even before the formal outbreak of war, the colony was pushing against British authority. In 1772, the Pine Tree Riot erupted in Weare when a group of local men attacked and intimidated royal surveyors enforcing Britain’s restrictions on cutting tall white pines—trees reserved for the Royal Navy’s masts. This direct challenge to British timber laws predated the Boston Tea Party by more than a year and is considered one of the first acts of rebellion in the colonies.
In December 1774, New Hampshire staged another bold move: the Raid on Fort William and Mary in Portsmouth Harbor. Patriots, alerted to incoming British reinforcements, stormed the fort over two consecutive nights, capturing gunpowder, muskets, and cannon. Many of these munitions were later used at the Battle of Bunker Hill. This raid, carried out months before Lexington and Concord, signaled New Hampshire’s readiness to act independently in defense of colonial rights.
New Hampshire also made political history during the Revolution. On January 5, 1776—six months before the Continental Congress declared independence—it adopted its own written constitution, the first of any colony to do so after breaking ties with Britain. Militarily, the state supplied thousands of soldiers to the Continental Army and to militia forces, including notable units at Saratoga and other key campaigns. Its seacoast towns, inland farms, and rugged frontiers all contributed to sustaining the war effort through supplies, manpower, and strategic leadership. By the war’s end, New Hampshire had firmly established itself as a vital part of the struggle for independence and as a state committed to the ideals of liberty and self-governance.
The revolutionary principles that elevated New Hampshire to a leading role in our nation’s history have only increased in the last 250 years. From being the ninth and deciding state to ratify the US Constitution, to being the first state to vote in presidential primaries, to hosting the first international peace treaty, to putting the first person in space, New Hampshire’s influence on our national story is well cemented.
As a trailblazer in constitutional governance, New Hampshire’s contributions to America’s independence and growth are undeniable. As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, New Hampshire stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of freedom.
By participating in commemorations, exploring historic sites, and learning from stories of the past, residents can ensure that New Hampshire’s rich heritage remains a vital part of America’s ongoing journey. The state’s pivotal role in shaping the nation is not just a chapter in history, but an ongoing narrative that continues to define and inspire our collective American story.