"In 1744 the settlers at No. 4 built a great log fort enclosing many of the town's dwellings. The fort, northernmost in the Connecticut Valley, was besieged in 1747 by a large force of French and Indians, who were beaten off by the 31-man garrison in a 3-day battle. The fort was never again attacked."
"Dec. 14–15, 1774, several hundred men overpowered the small British garrison at Castle William & Mary, now Fort Constitution, New Castle, and removed quantities of military supplies. These raids, set off by Paul Revere's ride to Portsmouth on Dec. 13, were among the first overt acts of the American Revolution."
. George A. Wentworth 1835–1906
"This outstanding teacher and author of mathematical textbooks widely used in schools and colleges was born in North Wakefield. He was graduated from Harvard College in 1858 after attending Wakefield Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy and taught at the latter school for 33 years."
"Prominent humanitarian, poet and author was born and taught school in Guild section of Newport. Widowed mother of five, she edited 'Godey's Lady's Book', 1837–1877; composed poem now called, 'Mary Had a Little Lamb'; advocated proclamation of Thanksgiving Day as national festival; and appealed constantly for higher education for women."
"Author and publisher of almanacs first appearing in 1797. Best known was 'Leavitt's Farmers' Almanac and Miscellaneous Year Book' which was continued after his death for about 45 years. This publication provided information vital to domestic and agricultural life of the period. He lived in house 200 yards east."
. Site of Piscataqua">Great Bay (New Hampshire)">Piscataqua Bridge
"At end of next road southeast, this engineering feat was used from 1794 to 1855. It joined Fox Point, Newington, and Meader's Neck, Durham, via Goat Island. Also site, in same period, of proposed state capital, Franklin City, and beginning of First New Hampshire Turnpike - vital route for instate traffic."
. Stone Iron Furnace
"Due west stands New Hampshire's sole surviving example of a post-Revolutionary furnace for smelting local iron ore. The industry flourished during first half of 19th century. It produced pig iron and bar iron for farm tools and cast iron ware, including famous 'Franconia Stoves.
. First Textile Mills
"Established in New Hampshire at New Ipswich in early 1800s for the carding, spinning and weaving of cotton and wool. This manufacture of fabrics spread throughout the state and contributed prominently to its economic and social growth and the development of the textile industry nationally."
. First Ascent of Mount Washington">Mount Washington (New Hampshire)">Mount Washington
"Darby Field, a New Hampshire settler, accomplished this difficult feat in 1642 from a southerly approach. Partly guided by Indians and with only primitive equipment at his disposal, he is thus alleged to be the originator of all Mount Washington ascensions."
. Temple Glass Factory
"Was located at a secluded site in the southwest portion of Temple township. Founded in 1780 by Robert Hewes who employed Hessian mercenaries from the British Army trained in the art of glass-blowing. This early attempt to manufacture bottles and crude window-glass was beginning of glass-making in New Hampshire."
"Buried behind Jaffrey's colonial Meeting House nearby are 'Aunt' Hannah Davis, 1784-1863, resourceful and beloved spinster who made, trademarked and sold this country's first wooden bandboxes; and Amos Fortune, 1710-1801, African-born slave who purchased his freedom, established a tannery and left funds for the Jaffrey church and schools."
. Early American Clocks
"Isaac Blasdel, 1738-1791, son and father of clockmakers, settled in Chester in 1762 and commenced manufacturing one-day, striking, wall and tall-case clocks with one weight and metal works. He was an Association Test signer, Revolutionary War soldier, selectman and member of the Committee of Safety."
. Shaker Village">Canterbury Shaker Village">Shaker Village
"Take opposite road 2.6 miles to the attractive buildings of this Utopian community organized in 1792 in the township of Canterbury. The Shakers established high standards of agricultural efficiency, craftsmanship and domestic skill for their sect and extended this worthy influence beyond the confines of the Village."
"American author of best-selling novels, such as 'Coniston', written between 1898-1941 and partly based upon actual experience in New Hampshire politics. His nearby residence, 'Harlakenden House', was built in 1898 and burned in 1923. It also served as a summer home for President Woodrow Wilson in 1913, 1914 and 1915."
. Old Province Road
"One of the earliest highways in New Hampshire, it was authorized in 1765 as a supply route from the tide-water port of Durham to the colony's northern settlements in the Coos. This section of the road through Gilmanton was built in 1770 nine years after the township was settled."
"About six miles offshore, these nine rocky islands served Europeans as a fishing station before the first mainland settlements were made in 1623. Capt. John Smith named the group 'Smith's Isles' in 1614. The codfish that 'shoaled' or schooled there in huge numbers were a prized delicacy that supported 300 to 600 inhabitants before the revolution. By the mid-1800s, new hotels attracted a summer colony of writers and artists, chief of whom was poet Celia Thaxter. The Islands have supported religious conferences since 1897 and marine research since 1928."
"Born nearby, this inventor and scientist gained unique distinction as a pioneer aeronaut in the United States. He organized and directed a military balloon force during the Civil War and later invented a number of important and basic devices for use in atmospheric observation and metallurgical processing."
"Was fought between 1722 and 1725 against several tribes of eastern Indians. The principal campaigns took place in the Ossipee region and led to the eventual withdrawal of the Indians to the north. Commemorated in Colonial literature by 'The Ballad of Lovewell's Fight.
. Canaan Street
"First known as 'Broad Street,' this early venture in town planning was laid out in 1788. About a mile in length and beautifully situated, starting about two miles in on next northerly road, the plan provided for an orderly arrangement of attractive homesteads."
"A famous theatrical trouper who lived and died in West Swanzey. He gained a national reputation by his portrayal of the character, 'Joshua Whitcomb,' the New Hampshire farmer on a trip to Boston. From this he subsequently evolved 'The Old Homestead,' a play of long runs before enthusiastic audiences."
"A large deposit of highest quality was discovered early in the 19th century at northerly section of Francestown by Daniel Fuller. During the heyday of its popularity, various common uses of this non-metallic mineral, when quarried, were for sinks, water pipes, stoves, hearths, warming stones, mantels and industrial purposes."
. LaFayette's Tour">Gilbert du Motier, marquis de La Fayette">LaFayette's Tour
"Upon invitation of President Monroe, issued at the request of Congress, Marquis de LaFayette, Revolutionary War hero, revisited the United States for a goodwill tour which included an extensive visit to New Hampshire towns. He passed this spot June 23, 1825, traveling between Concord and Dover."
"Born in Deerfield and buried in Old Center Cemetery on road west, he gained fame by the unauthorized firing of the first shot at Bunker Hill while serving as a private in Captain Dearborn's Company of Colonel Stark's Regiment. Although reprimanded for this disobedience, he afterward served his country with honor."
