The Granite State: Why New Hampshire Earned This Distinctive Nickname
New Hampshire, affectionately known as the Granite State, has a rich history and unique identity that is deeply rooted in its vast deposits of granite. This article explores the origins of the nickname and the significant impact of the granite industry on the state's economy and culture.
Breaking Ground with Granite
One of the primary reasons New Hampshire is known as the Granite State is due to the abundance and importance of this natural resource. Granite is not just a significant material for construction; it's almost a state emblem. According to data from 2014, the granite industry, including retail and exports, contributed an estimated 4.4 billion dollars to New Hampshire's economy. This represented about 7% of the state's GDP, a substantial figure considering the state's yearly GDP is approximately 57 billion dollars.
A Historical Perspective
When New Hampshire was first settled, the landscape presented significant challenges to early farmers. The soil was often sandy and loose, and was littered with numerous rocks, many of which were granite. This made farming conditions harsh and arduous. Many farmers eventually abandoned their fields and moved south or west where the land was more fertile and easier to cultivate. In response, these early settlers dug up the granite to build protective rock walls. While we may now see these walls as charming elements of the New Hampshire landscape, they were a result of exhausting labor.
The Cultural Impact
Farmers’ frustrations with the granite were not only physical but also emotional, leading to a popular belief that New Hampshire’s nickname arose from these early challenges. However, there is more to the story. The nickname “Granite State” did not originate from a simple observation of landscape features but was a strategic marketing tool that shaped the state’s image in the 19th century.
Early Promotional Efforts
One of the earliest mentions of the “Granite State” nickname can be traced back to a song or poem penned by Colonel Carrigain, a Revolutionary War hero, for the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to New Hampshire in 1825. Lafayette’s arrival was celebrated with a public dinner, and at this event, Colonel Carrigain composed and sang a song whose opening lines reflected the state’s newfound sense of pride:
“North and South and East and West
Grateful homage have express’d
Greeting loud the Nation’s Guest:
Son of Liberty
Whom Tyrants curs’d–when Heav’n approv’d
And millions long have mourn’d and lov’d
He comes by fond entreaties mov’d
The GRANITE STATE to see.”
This poetic tribute highlighted the strategic use of the granite imagery in New Hampshire’s early promotional efforts, positioning the state as a strong and resilient entity, deeply connected to the American spirit and emblematic of freedom.
Legacy and Modern Relevance
While the granite industry no longer contributes as much to the state’s economy as it once did, the nickname “Granite State” remains a significant part of New Hampshire’s cultural identity. The legacy of granite is also evident in numerous landmarks and structures built using this material, such as the Library of Congress and the Brooklyn Bridge, both of which showcase the quality and durability of New Hampshire granite.
Today, New Hampshire continues to honor its granite heritage through festivals, museums, and educational programs that celebrate the state’s natural resources and the hardworking individuals who have shaped this unique region.
In conclusion, New Hampshire’s nickname is more than just a play on the abundance of granite in the state. It reflects a rich history, strategic marketing efforts, and the enduring strength of a resilient spirit. If you’re planning to visit the Granite State, be prepared to explore the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage that this nickname truly represents.