First in the Nation
In front of this stately building in Concord is this simple marker.
The sign marks the New Hampshire Presidential Primary, a tradition that has shaped the political landscape of the United States for generations. Since 1920, New Hampshire has held the first primary in the nation, giving its voters a uniquely powerful voice in choosing presidential candidates. Candidates come here early, meeting voters face to face and earning support one conversation at a time.
I loved growing up in New Hampshire, the state with the first primary.What that meant was every presidential candidate came through our small state, hoping to make an impression. I remember seeing and hearing about figures like John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, along with many others who walked these streets and shook hands. Without New Hampshire holding the first-in-the-nation primary, I doubt we would have had those opportunities.
These signs are woven into the landscapes of our cities and towns, and taking the time to stop and read them has a way of enriching the journey.
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Old Post Office
In Concord stands a granite building that once served as the city’s United States Post Office, built in 1895 at a time when communication depended on places like this. Constructed of locally quarried granite, the building reflects the permanence and importance of civic life in the late 19th century. Its arched entrances and elevated steps give it a presence that […]
Swenson Granite Company
Founded in 1883, the Swenson Granite Company is one of the enduring industrial stories of Concord. This company helped shape not only the local landscape, but the very monuments and memorials that defined so many towns across New England. The company’s roots are tied to the rich granite deposits of Rattlesnake Hill, just outside Concord. From these […]
1878 State Prison
In Concord, stands a structure that has carried out its purpose for over a century. Built in 1878, the New Hampshire State Prison was constructed to replace an earlier facility from 1812, reflecting a shift toward a more organized and permanent system of incarceration. The prison is built primarily of brick, with its long walls and […]
