State of New HampshireSymbols |
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Granite is the traditional rock in New Hampshire. It gave New Hampshire its nickname of ÒThe Granite State.Ó New Hampshire once had a large industry surrounding the quarrying of granite.
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State of New Hampshire Symbols |
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Granite is the traditional rock in New Hampshire. It gave New Hampshire its nickname of ÒThe Granite State.Ó New Hampshire once had a large industry surrounding the quarrying of granite.
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State Flag:
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The state flag shall be of the following color and design: The body or field shall be blue and shall bear upon its
center in suitable proportion and colors a representation of the state seal. The seal shall be surrounded by a
wreath of laurel leaves with nine stars interspersed.
New Hampshire's first seal, created in 1775, consisted of a pine tree, a fish, and a set of
five arrows. The arrows stood for the five counties at the time, while the pine tree and fish represented
the state's major economic resources. In 1784, when the state's new constitution became effective,
the legislature decided to change the seal to keep up with the changing times. The coastal town of
Portsmouth had become a thriving ship building center, and the legislature wanted to portray this industry.
So, with a rising sun in the background, the new design would feature a ship on stocks. However, as
time went on, this 1784 design became a victim of artists' whims and fancies. The scene continually
changed. People appeared on docks, and barrels of rum materialized. In 1931, the legislature voted
to regain control of the seal's design. Today, the seal is unchanging. The frigate Raleigh, one of the first
ships that the Constitutional Congress authorized for the nation's navy, graces the center of the seal.
The date on the bottom of the seal now reads 1776. The rum barrels are gone, the sun rises over the
Atlantic Ocean, and a wreath of laurel frames the entire scene.
