New Hampshire’s Historical Contributions Celebrated During Independence Anniversary

NASHUA, N.H. – As the United States marks its 250th anniversary of independence, Massachusetts colonists’ actions, vital to the onset of the American Revolution, take the national spotlight. However, New Hampshire’s Pine Tree Riot is also gaining recognition for its historical significance.

Governor Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire highlighted the Pine Tree Riot as an event that may have inspired the Boston Tea Party. Ayotte mentioned, “Before the Boston Tea Party, we had the Pine Tree Riots here in New Hampshire because the British tried to tax our pine trees and take them for their own, and we said no way.”

The Pine Tree Riot represented opposition to British policy that reserved White pine trees larger than 12 inches in diameter for the Royal Navy’s ships.

This riot exemplified the colonists’ ability to resist British rule. Governor Ayotte emphasized New Hampshire’s pride in its early revolutionary role, asserting, “We were early joiners of the revolution, and very proud of this nation.”

Ayotte also noted New Hampshire’s pivotal role in constitutional history as “the ninth state to ratify the Constitution,” solidifying the constitutional process. Additionally, New Hampshire was the first state in the nation to draft its own Constitution.

The Pine Tree Riot and New Hampshire’s pioneering Constitution receive recognition at the state’s exhibition during the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington D.C.

The fair includes a historical display where prominent figures read from the Declaration of Independence, and offers New Hampshire products like maple syrup.

Governor Ayotte mentioned plans for celebrating at the Statehouse with the visitors center showcasing notable documents such as the Dunlap Broadsides, the first printings of the Declaration of Independence, and the original 1823 William J. Stone engravings.

New Hampshire continues its tradition of grand Fourth of July celebrations, featuring parades, fairs, fireworks, and more. Governor Ayotte will participate in four Independence Day parades on July 3 and 4.

Paul Steinhauser reports on national campaigns for Fox News.