New Hampshire History
The history of New Hampshire is as unique as the Granite State itself. While there are traits of the state’s geography, economy, society, and culture that are similar to its neighbors, New Hampshire has always stood out from the rest of New England. This course aims to capture and highlight the state’s exceptionalism as it leads students from a time before New Hampshire through to the turn of the 21st Century.
The five inquiry-based units are designed to be taught horizontally and vertically, meaning material is covered chronologically but studied by groups of students thematically. Provided is a five-unit framework with which teachers can employ the Everything is a Primary Source method, complete with learning and assessment materials which emphasize collaboration, analysis, evaluation and synthesis. Included with each unit is a set of vocabulary terms, quizzes, and tests correct to each era and state-wide interest, but you are encouraged to include topics of local and regional interest as well.
After all, it is the ingenuity and authenticity of Granite Staters as well as our deep connection to our towns, cities, and counties which has long made New Hampshire the distinctive place that it is.
The Everything is a Primary Source Method
This course is modeled to follow the Everything is a Primary Source (EPS) style of instruction, an inquiry-based teaching method which encourages both student-to-student and teacher-to-student collaboration to investigate subjects. EPS essentially applies the scientific method to social studies, breaking down all resources used in class to their essentials—secondary sources to be evaluated and primary sources to be analyzed—and using hypothesis, observation, and testing to make sound social studies claims. Through teacher-facilitated dialogue, immersive evaluation, and deliberate analysis, students develop history and media literacy skills, build on their ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, and see the value that diverse perspectives bring to seeking the truth.
Visit this page for a complete explanation of how to teach using the EPS method.
Click here for an abbreviated version, complete with lesson plans that can be used with this course.
Unit 1: A Time Before New Hampshire
Pre-1623 to 1700
The first part of this unit explores the ways First Nations developed their societies and interacted with the land from pre-history to the arrival of Europeans in increasing numbers in the early 17th century. It then transitions to learning about the arrival of explorers, merchants and settlers and their interactions with Native peoples as the Atlantic World continued to take shape.
Unit 2: Colonial New Hampshire
1700 to 1763
Much of New Hampshire’s identity is rooted in the 18th Century, and this unit investigates why that might be. Although it was a royal colony since 1679, the 18th century saw the province of New Hampshire actively and purposefully take shape geographically, commercially, socially, and politically.
Unit 3: Revolutionary New Hampshire
1763 to 1815
New Hampshire joined with the other New England colonies to spark a revolution, but did so in its own unique way. Throughout the time period, the colony-turned-state contributed and reacted to the rapid national changes that forged a new country.
Unit 4: Emergence of the Granite State
1815 to 1900
From beginning to end, the 19th century saw, arguably, the most dramatic changes in technology the world has ever seen. The result was drastic changes in economics followed by society and culture. New Hampshire rapidly developed into an industrial center as the whole nation hurtled towards civil war. Post-War attitudes and trends showed themselves in the Granite State as it provided the backdrop for Gilded Age recreation and leisure.
Unit 5: New Hampshire in the Modern World
1901 to 2001
Despite its diminishing role in industry, New Hampshire found itself on the national and global stage throughout the 20th Century, particularly in political and cultural endeavors. As the nation raced towards the new Millennium, the Granite State proved its unique ability to be simultaneously reflective and forward-thinking.
© 2026 Eric Salmonsen. All rights reserved.
No portion may be reproduced, distributed, adapted, or implemented without the author's written permission.
State Learning Standards:
SS:HI:1 Political Foundations and Development Students will demonstrate an understanding of the major ideas, issues and events pertaining to the history of governance in our state and nation.
SS:HI:2 Contacts, Exchanges & International Relations Students will demonstrate an understanding of the events, actions and policies of our nation in relation to other peoples and governments over time.
SS:HI:3 World Views and Value systems and their Intellectual and Artistic Expressions Students will demonstrate an understanding of conceptions of reality, ideals, guidelines of behavior and forms of expression.
SS:HI:4: Economic Systems & Technology Students will demonstrate an understanding of the changing forms of production, distribution and consumption of good and services over time.
SS:HI:5: Social/Cultural Students will demonstrate an understanding of the interaction of various social groups, including their values, beliefs and practices, over time