Have you noticed these signs before–a green plaque with white text and topped with New Hampshire’s state seal? 291 of them are scattered throughout The Granite State, each one of them marking a significant person, place, or event, that contributed to New Hampshire’s storied history.
A historical marker stands on the Statehouse grounds in Concord, distinguishing it as “the nation’s oldest State Capitol in which a legislature meets in its original chambers.” Additionally, a marker can be found in Portsmouth’s Atlantic Heights to commemorate the shipbuilders and their families who once called the neighborhood home, as well as the firm that influenced the area’s architecture–Kilham and Hopkins.
In Exeter, one of these signs details a speech that was given by Abraham Lincoln on March 3, 1860 at the Exeter Town Hall. Another marker in Hampton Falls tells of George Washington’s visit to the town en route to Portsmouth.
Fans of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will want to pay a visit to Dover, where a historic marker commemorates the popular film’s creation. In November 1983, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird concocted the idea for “Ninja weapon-wielding turtles during a late night drawing session,” according to the marker. The first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic strip was subsequently published by Mirage Studios on Union Street in Dover, where the historic marker currently stands.
While the Historical Highway Marker program is not currently accepting new marker proposals, as they are focused on refurbishing current ones, people can partake in a fun activity by finding and photographing ten New Hampshire highway historic markers. Then, fill out the form on NH.gov with the name of the marker, the date visited, and the marker’s location, submit the form via mail, and receive a free sticker. Find all of this information and more here.
