General John Stark was New Hampshire’s greatest Revolutionary War hero. At the Battle of Bennington on August 16th, 1777, Stark defied General George Washington’s wishes and confronted a combined British, German and Native American force. Stark’s forces were victorious, securing the city of Bennington and contributing to the eventual surrender of Britain’s General John Burgoyne. It was Stark who in July of 1809, in ill health and unable to attend a reunion of the battle, sent along his regrets and a toast containing the phrase “Live Free or Die”, which now stands as the New Hampshire state motto.
Personal income in the Granite State stood at $37,835 in 2005, ranking 6th in the nation. New Hampshire produces dairy products, cattle, apples, and eggs and is home to machinery, electric equipment, and rubber and plastics industries. The state’s great natural beauty and rich history draws national and international tourists annually, and its residents live free of general sales tax and personal state income tax.
Roads
Interstate 89: I-89 spans the distance from Concord, New Hampshire to Highgate Springs, Vermont, connecting the rural areas between the two along the way, while also serving as a major link between Boston and Montreal. Its 60 miles in New Hampshire serve as the major route through the state’s western part.
Interstate 93: From its southern limit in Canton, Massachusetts to its northern one in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, I-93 spends most of its time in New Hampshire. Its 131 New Hampshire miles include Salem, the Lake Winnipesaukee tourist region, the White Mountains, and the Great North Woods region.
Interstate 293: This 11-mile-long route forms a loop around Manchester.
Interstate 393: I-393 is a 4-mile spur route that extends from I-93 (see above).
Interstate 95: Spanning the distance from Florida to Maine, I-95 is the main Interstate highway on America’s east coast. In the state of New Hampshire, the majority of I-95 (from the Massachusetts border to the Portsmouth Circle in Portsmouth) forms the Blue Star Turnpike or New Hampshire Turnpike.