History of Concord
With a population of about 40,000, Concord, New Hampshire is one of the smallest state capitals in the United States. It lies about eighty miles north of the city of Boston.
Before Europeans moved into New Hampshire, the area was inhabited by an Abenaki Indian Tribe called the Penacook Indians. The Merrimack River, which flows through the center of Concord, was a popular place to fish for salmon and sturgeon. As the largest river in the state of New Hampshire, its source is Lake Winnepesaukee and its mouth is the Atlantic Ocean. Many Indians used the river to travel between the two places.
Before the 1700’s, the only presence of European settlers in the area was along the river. Between 1725 and 1727, Captain Ebenezer Eastman led settlers from Haverhill, Massachusetts to the land, which they named Penacook Plantation. The city was incorporated in 1733 by Massachusetts as Rumford. As the city grew, its borders were the subject of dispute. In 1765, an agreement was reached and the city was renamed Concord.
During the mid 1700’s, many people made homes in the town of Concord. The population was very supportive of the Revolutionary War and sent many of its members to well-known battles in Massachusetts. One of Concord’s most famous residents, John Stark, was one of the leaders for the Battle of Bunker Hill. Following the nation’s independence from England, New Hampshire was the ninth state to ratify the US Constitution and Concord eventually became its state capital.
Growth of the city continued in the 19th century. After a canal was built in Manchester by Amoskeag falls, boats could easily travel up Merrimack River to Concord. A granite quarry and a textile mill were developed, bringing more workers to the vicinity. One of Concord’s most famous companies, the Abbot and Downing Company, built coaches used to transport people across the country to western territories. The 20th century brought an industry refocus as the main products exported from Concord became agricultural in nature. Today, insurance services and electronics manufacturing are the two largest businesses in Concord. The Capital Building is the oldest one in the nation that’s still actively used by the legislature.
Economy of Concord
As the state capital of New Hampshire, one of the largest employers in Concord is the state government. The Concord skyline is filled with state offices, including the gold spire of the capital building. In addition, Concord is the county seat of Merrimack County, so many county-associated offices reside in this small metropolis. The rich history of New Hampshire displayed in the offices entices tourists to spend money in the city.
Another very large industry is healthcare. The hospitals and nursing homes in the area ensure that over 5,000 people have work. Education and insurance are also big industries in the city. There are six large insurance firms that call Concord home.
Retail businesses make up the main street of Concord as well as on Concord Heights, a hill on the east side of the city. The Steeplegate Mall has over sixty stores to browse through.
Concord Attractions
Twice a year, nearby Loudon is a host to over 100,000 tourists. Fans of NASCAR come from all over the country to see two important races performed at the New Hampshire International Speedway. Hotels are booked during these two weekends all over the state. When NASCAR isn’t in town, spectators can catch a hockey game at Everett Arena
The State Capital buildings are popular destinations to tour. The capital building has excellent historical collections to view and the New Hampshire Historical Society has artifacts that range in age from the time of the Pennacook Indians to the present.
In nearby Canterbury, a preserved Shaker village still stands, called the Canterbury Shaker Village. It’s a wonderful place to observe how the Shakers lived and it hosts many events throughout the year.
More Information about Concord