Happy Birthday New Hampshire
June 21, 2025 marks New Hampshire’s 235th birthday. The Granite State officially became the ninth U.S. state in 1788. Just four years after the Revolutionary War, New Hampshire helped shape the new nation. It was the first to establish its own constitution. That’s right—New Hampshire led the way.
In this article: Fun Facts | State Symbols | Purple Finch | Purple Lilac | Pink Lady Slipper | Brook Trout | Red Spotted Newt | Karner Blue Butterfly | Ladybug |
Fun Facts About New Hampshire
New Hampshire is more than mountains and maple syrup. Celebrate our 235th birthday with these fun facts that show just how unique we are:
- NH was the first state to vote for independence from England. Revolutionary and proud.
- Our state motto is “Live Free or Die.” Fierce, direct, and unforgettable.
- NH has no sales tax. Shop local, guilt-free.
- Mount Washington recorded the fastest wind gust ever measured on Earth’s surface—231 mph!
- The first free public library in the U.S. opened in Peterborough in 1833.
- The Purple Finch became our official state bird in 1957—and yes, it’s featured in our fabric collection!
- NH author J.D. Salinger wrote The Catcher in the Rye and lived quietly for decades in Cornish, NH.
- Robert Frost lived in NH for years. Many of his poems were inspired by our rugged landscape.
- Our state sport is skiing—we don’t just endure winter, we celebrate it!
- Adam Sandler, Sarah Silverman, and Seth Meyers are all proud New Hampshire natives.
- Jumanji (1995) was filmed in Keene, NH. The crew even transformed local storefronts to look like a fictional town.
- On Golden Pond (1981) was filmed on Squam Lake in Holderness. It won three Academy Awards.
- Dean Kamen, who lives in Bedford, NH, invented the Segway and over 400 other patented devices—including medical tech like insulin pumps.
- Ray LaMontagne, the soulful, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, was born in Nashua, NH.
- Joan Osborne, known for her hit “One of Us,” was also born in Anchorage but raised in New Hampshire.
- The alarm clock, washing machine, and Tupperware were all advanced significantly by inventors or manufacturers based in New Hampshire.
- Ice harvesting was once a major NH industry. Blocks were cut from frozen lakes and shipped as far as India!
- Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code, was born and raised in Exeter, NH.
- Tom Bergeron, longtime host of Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos, grew up in Haverhill, NH.
- NH has the shortest coastline of any U.S. oceanfront state—just 18 miles—but it still packs in gorgeous beaches and seafood shacks.
Celebrate New Hampshire’s Symbols in Style
To honor New Hampshire’s natural beauty, I’ve created a line of fabric and product designs inspired by official state symbols.
From butterflies to blossoms, these designs are perfect for quilts & sewing projects, gifts for Granite State fans, apparel & accessories, office, home, and event decor. Design are available on Spoonflower, Zazzle, and Redbubble—ready to shop, gift, and/or personalize.
Purple Finch – New Hampshire’s State Bird
The Purple Finch, adopted in 1957, is known for its sweet song and berry-colored feathers. Its image now sings on fabric, fashions, home decor, and paper goods. Make your next project soar!
Purple Lilac – State Flower Since 1919
Chosen for its strength and fragrance, the lilac blooms with pride every May. My lilac designs are fresh, floral, and full of spring spirit.
Pink Lady Slipper – Wildflower with Elegance
The Pink Lady Slipper is delicate and rare, protected in the wild. It’s the perfect muse for soft, folk art, vintage-style designs and timeless fabric.
Brook Trout – New Hampshire’s Freshwater Fish
Native to our cold mountain streams, the brook trout was declared the state fish in 1994. Make a splash with these nature-inspired, bold prints—great for guys, gifts, and gear.
Red Spotted Newt – State Amphibian Since 1985
These bright orange amphibians are often spotted on New Hampshire trails. Celebrate the forest floor with playful, big-eyed newt designs.
Karner Blue Butterfly – Beautiful and Endangered
This rare butterfly is a symbol of conservation and quiet beauty. Our Karner Blue designs are soft, uplifting, and perfect for nature lovers.
Ladybug – Small but Mighty
Ladybugs are natural garden heroes. New Hampshire made them the state insect in 1977. Add a dash of whimsy to your next craft with our cheerful ladybug patterns.
Shop, Celebrate, and Sew with State Pride
Show your New Hampshire pride—through color, pattern, and purpose. Whether you’re stitching a quilt, designing party decor, or picking a personalized gift—this collection was made for you.
Explore the New Hampshire State Symbols Collection and designs on: