Historical Sites In New Hampshire

One of the first colonies, New Hampshire saw the arrival of people as soon as 1623. With such a lengthy past, it is not surprising why New Hampshire is awash in outstanding historical sites. 

There are a tonne of fantastic choices for learning more about New Hampshire’s rich past, whether we’re referring to historical markers or museums. 

The different regions of New Hampshire can be explored and the history of the state, such as Native American cultures, fights for liberation, industrial and social advancements, and more, can be learned through visiting historical buildings and landmarks. 

Children and families will particularly enjoy visiting living history museums with live demonstrations, such as Canterbury Shaker Village.

Spend the night at a historic lodge or inn to round off your day of exploration.

This article will list some of New Hampshire’s best historical sites. These eight historical sites in New Hampshire are a must-see!

The 8 Best Historical Sites In New Hampshire

1. Portsmouth’s Strawbery Banke Museum

Stawbery Banke, which takes its name from Portsmouth’s initial settlement, is a museum that features authentic structures from throughout the city’s history. 

The 10-acre Strawbery Banke Museum, which is close to the city’s riverfront Prescott Park, is an outside history museum that maintains 32 homes and businesses that have been occupied and used on this property during the course of the town’s 300-year existence. 

Eight gardens, structures, local handicrafts, and preservation activities are open to visitors of all ages. Role-players in costumes narrate tales of the area. 

Year-round, there are several informative and seasonal special events. A two-hour visit is advised. Accessible year-round, but only for guided visits on the weekends from November to April.

2. Saint-Gaudens, Cornish

Famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ residence and studio is noteworthy for its English Gardens and expansive vistas gazing all across Connecticut River into Vermont. 

Learn about the stunning grounds, residence, and studios of American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The galleries display more than 100 of his works, which range from gold coins to valiant public monuments. 

There are natural walks and gardens on the site. Over 150 works of art were produced by Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848–1907), ranging from magnificently carved cameos to statues. 

People are still motivated by creations like the Shaw Memorial and the Standing Lincoln statue. Learn more here: https://www.nps.gov/saga/

3. Canterbury’s Shaker Village And Museum

In New Hampshire, a religious sect known as the Shakers led an austere lifestyle. Since the 1960s, the Canterbury Shaker Village has preserved this illustrious way of life.

A National Historic Site and museum, Canterbury Shaker Museum is tucked away in the middle of central New Hampshire’s forested undulating hills. 

Through tours, activities, displays, research, and publications, the village offers a setting for education, introspection, and the rejuvenation of the human spirit. 

This is a must-see for any tourist to New England. It has approximately 700 acres of woodland, nature paths, gardens, and ponds, in addition to 25 authentic and 4 restored Shaker buildings.

4. Mount Washington’s Cog Railway

As you ride this exhilarating train up Mount Washington, history comes to life.

When you ride the renowned Cog Rail, the very first mountain-climbing railway throughout the world and the sole one still in operation in North America, you will literally be traveling through history as you ascend Mount Washington. 

The railway, which is currently in its 152nd year, not only offers breathtaking vistas as you pass through three climate regions, but it also starts and stops at museums and educational facilities. 

The Cog Railway Center at the ground station explains how the second-steepest railroad in the world was constructed. A tourist center, observation deck, and participatory weather exhibit are located at the summit.

5. Castle In The Clouds

The Arts & Crafts-style mansion, which served as the focal point of this 5,500-acre estate and was the residence of shoemaker Thomas and Olive Plant, included ultra-modern comforts and utilities like a centralized vacuuming mechanism and needle showers. 

Gardens and Olive’s closets’ collection of vintage clothing are also included in the self-guided tour. 

Visitors can get a look into the lifestyles of servants who assisted in running and managing the estate during a 45-minute group tour of the basement. A gallery displays several interesting exhibitions that give your visit context. 

6. The Stonehenge Of America

One of the nation’s earliest historic sites may be located here amid the pine trees on the seacoast of New Hampshire.

The collection of odd objects, including megaliths, stone chambers, and mazes of rocks, is the largest one ever found. 

It has the researchers baffled since it may have been built by travellers who arrived before Columbus by many centuries. Native Americans, perhaps? early farmers? 

Old World seafarers from different continents? What is known is that the structure was constructed by individuals who had an understanding of astronomy as well as stone work.

7. The Fort No.4 Living History Museum

Visit an accurately recreated settlement by going back in history to Charlestown, in the 1740s. Visit with tour guides decked out as the first inhabitants of No. 4.

Every day, demonstrations of military maneuvers, musket firings, and hearth cooking are performed.

I visit the Fort No. 4 as a school-aged child and I really enjoyed it!

8. The Pines’ Cathedral

This stunning and serene mountain location was created in memory of the Americans who died while serving in the military during the Second World War. 

Stones from every state are placed on the central altar, known as the Altar of the Nation. The Grand Monadnock is visible from a mountaintop where the cathedral is located.

Final Thoughts

Over eight hundred historic markers and landmarks are among the many distinctive historical treasures of New Hampshire.

Some of the most unique historical sites in the United States can be found in New Hampshire. 

If you’re planning to visit New Hampshire in the near future, be sure to try out some of these amazing historical sites while you’re there!

KyleBattis

Kyle Battis is a life-long NH resident that enjoys making his way around the state, sampling delicious food and drinks, and sharing his experiences. Follow us at www.HereInNewHampshire.com