Judd Gregg
United States Senator for New Hampshire

“Live free or die. Death is not the worst of all evils.” – General John Stark, New Hampshire Revolutionary War hero. July 31, 1809.

John Stark’s quote inspired New Hampshire’s state motto, “Live Free or Die,” which was officially established by the State Legislature in 1945. Today, General Stark’s words embody the independent spirit of the Granite State. New Hampshire was the first state to declare independence from Britain and adopt its own constitution. And, in 1788, it was the ninth and deciding state to ratify the United States Constitution.

Today, New Hampshire maintains its historical commitment to democracy as every four years the eyes of the world turn to our small state for the “First in the Nation Primary.” This contest held in the frigid winter months sets the tone for the national Presidential election. Since 1952, the New Hampshire primary has shaped the political landscape of this nation and has proved to be a worthy testing ground for candidates. The outcome of New Hampshire’s primary is notoriously unpredictable, and nearly half of New Hampshire voters identify themselves as independents. In New Hampshire, unknown or unlikely candidates who receive a large percentage of the popular vote in New Hampshire can attract national attention to their campaigns. Although small in population, the Granite State is large in its level of political activity, and our primary kicks off the national process with great enthusiasm.

New Hampshire has been a national leader on a number of other fronts. In 1961 Alan Shepard, a New Hampshire native, became the first American to travel in space. New Hampshire was also home to the first American public library and the first forest conservation advocacy group. When Abe Lincoln established Thanksgiving as a federal holiday in 1863, it was largely due to a 17 year campaign by Granite Stater Sarah Josepha Hale. The New Hampshire House of Representatives is the 3rd largest legislative body in the English-speaking world—only the United States Congress and the British House of Parliament are larger. And to top it all, New Hampshire holds the record for the worst weather in the world; in 1934, researchers at the Mount Washington Observatory measured a wind gust of 231 miles per hour.

In addition to being a great place to live, work and raise a family, New Hampshire is well known for being a wonderful place to visit. The unique geography of the Granite State allows access to quaint historic towns, the stunning Lakes Region, majestic mountain ranges and the sparkling Atlantic coast all within a three hour drive. The beautiful and diverse landscape provides year-round outdoor recreation for tourists and residents alike. With its 17 miles of coastline, 1,300 lakes and ponds and 40,000 miles of rivers and streams, New Hampshire offers plenty of opportunity for boating, swimming and fishing. The White Mountain National Forest covers 14% of the state and includes more than 1,200 miles of hiking trails, as well as areas for hunting, camping, and the occasional moose sighting. In the winter, the snowfall attracts skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and other winter sport enthusiasts.

I am proud to represent such a unique and historically important state. For more information about all the Granite State has to offer please visit http://www.visitnh.gov/ or feel free to contact any of my offices.