America's OLDEST State Capitol Still in Use!
Concord, New Hampshire has something NO other state capital can claim - the OLDEST state capitol building still in use! The New Hampshire State House was built way back in 1819 and is STILL being used today! That's over 200 years of making laws in the same building!
The State House was built with beautiful granite blocks from right here in New Hampshire. It features a golden dome that shines in the sun and has been the heart of New Hampshire government for more than two centuries!
🏛️ Capitol Facts!
- ✓ Built: 1816-1819
- ✓ Style: Greek Revival
- ✓ Material: New Hampshire granite
- ✓ Still in continuous use!
The Famous Concord Coach!
Did you know that Concord made some of the BEST stagecoaches in all of America? The Concord Coach was the most famous stagecoach in the Wild West! Built by the Abbot-Downing Company right here in Concord, these coaches were so well-made that they could travel across rough roads and even survive being pulled by horses at top speed!
🚂 Riding in Style!
The Concord Coach was famous for its comfortable ride! The coach body was suspended on thick leather straps instead of metal springs, which gave it a gentle rocking motion. People said it felt like "riding on a cloud" compared to other stagecoaches!
These coaches carried passengers, mail, and even gold across America! They were used everywhere from the Pony Express routes to the gold fields of California!
Heroes Who Reached for the Stars!
Concord is home to TWO amazing American space heroes! The city honors them with the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, a space science center where you can learn about astronomy, space exploration, and these incredible people!
🚀 Alan Shepard
Alan Shepard was born in New Hampshire and became the FIRST American to travel into space! On May 5, 1961, he flew in a tiny capsule called Freedom 7 and reached space - just 23 days after the Soviet Union's Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space!
But that's not all! In 1971, Shepard walked on the MOON during the Apollo 14 mission. He's famous for hitting two golf balls on the lunar surface - they're still up there today!
🌟 First American in Space: May 5, 1961
🌙 Moon Walker: Apollo 14, 1971
⛳ Hit golf balls on the Moon!
🎓 Christa McAuliffe
Christa McAuliffe was a social studies teacher at Concord High School who dreamed of going to space! In 1985, she was chosen from over 11,000 teachers to become the FIRST teacher in space through NASA's Teacher in Space program!
She was going to teach lessons from space to inspire students all over America. Sadly, on January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger had an accident shortly after launch. Christa and her six fellow astronauts lost their lives. She's remembered as a brave pioneer who inspired millions to dream big!
🍎 Teacher at Concord High School
🚀 Chosen from 11,000+ applicants
💫 Inspired millions to reach for the stars
🔭 Visit the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center!
This amazing science center in Concord lets you explore space and learn about these heroes! You can see a planetarium show, touch a real meteorite, learn about the planets, and discover what it takes to be an astronaut!
More Cool Concord Facts!
📜 Presidential Connection
President Franklin Pierce, America's 14th president, is buried in Concord! He lived in New Hampshire and served as president from 1853 to 1857.
🌊 Merrimack River
The beautiful Merrimack River flows through Concord! It provided water power for mills and factories that helped the city grow.
🏛️ State Capital Since 1808
Concord became New Hampshire's capital in 1808, beating out Portsmouth for the honor of being the seat of government!
🌲 "Live Free or Die"
New Hampshire's state motto is "Live Free or Die" - one of the most famous state mottoes in America!
Test Your Concord Knowledge!
1. What makes the New Hampshire State House special?
2. What was special about the Concord Coach?
3. Who was Alan Shepard?
4. What was Christa McAuliffe's job before becoming an astronaut?
5. When did Concord become New Hampshire's capital?
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