One of the original 13 states (it entered the
Union in 1788), New Hampshire was named after the English county
of Hampshire. New Hampshire is called the "Granite
State" because of its numerous granite quarries; the
nickname may also reflect the state's attachment to tradition and
its history of a frugal government. There are no general sales or
individual income taxes, which fits with the state motto of
"Live free or die." A relatively small state, New
Hampshire plays a major role every four years in the presidential
election, as it holds the first primary election. New Hampshire's
state bird is the purple finch and its capital is Concord.
State Flower: Purple lilac
State Motto: Live free or die
State Nickname: Granite State
State Bird: Purple finch
Land area: 8,969 sq mi. Length: 190 miles Width: 70 miles
10 largest cities (1999 est.): Manchester,
102,830; Nashua, 82,677; Concord, 38,981; Rochester, 28,241;
Dover, 26,586; Portsmouth, 25,798; Keene, 23,003; Laconia,
17,103; Claremont, 13,871; Lebanon, 12,395 - Persons per square mile (1999): 133.9