When I was a young child in search of adventure, I would gather with my friends and travel down to Main Street in Concord. There was still penny candy and plenty of room to ride our bicycles along the Main Street sidewalk and the buildings owned by the state were always welcoming. There was the New Hampshire Historical Society building with the Concord Coach glistening in the grand foyer and of course the Concord Public Library too.
We enjoyed all of these places and they were sure to fill a Saturday morning with memorable moments. My favorite Saturday morning visit on a summer day was the New Hampshire State House. There was such rich history contained within the walls, and the tunnel leading under the road to the State House Annex always allowed us to shout and echo without the Monday through Friday state workers around. We had the tunnel to ourselves and the run of the State House during those days.
I would visit the Hall of Flags in the State House and feel an immense amount of solemn reverence. Traveling from one flag to the next I would read the inscriptions and become quite mesmerized by the war-worn flags. My young imagination prompted me to the next flag where I would become transfixed on the bullet holes and saber torn fabric that made each colorful flag. Even at a very young age, long before my years as an active historian, I knew these flags contained within our State House held great meaning. I understood the need for respect as my journey within the Hall of Flags continued.
As my years progressed, I was constantly in awe of the building itself. The New Hampshire State House has many stories to tell. I have researched and read volumes about this building and I seem to find new facts and figures each time I research again. The cornerstone was laid on Sept. 24, 1816, for the original State House.
Our ancestors proudly donated the original two-acre parcel of land and the New Hampshire Legislature initially appropriated $3,000 toward the construction of the first State House. The granite used in construction was obtained up on Rattlesnake Hill, a few short miles from our beloved building. The prisoners at the New Hampshire State Prison cut and shaped the granite blocks used in construction. This was when the prison was located between our present-day Beacon and Tremont Streets. It has been said the granite processed by the prisoners was delivered to the Main Street location by local citizens free of charge.
It was on July 18 , 1818, when a ceremony was held to place the gilded eagle atop the dome with the actual building being completed in 1819 at a cost of $82,000.
The original State House was in use immediately and enjoyed by all that attended functions. But the state was growing and the city of Concord was growing too. There was adequate land to further accommodate our New Hampshire State House and the politicians voted to make this grand building even grander with an elegant addition that would complement the building. On Sept. 20, 1864, the construction once again started.
The completed New Hampshire State House was ready for inhabitants on June 6, 1866, with a final cost for the renovation being $200,000. Some of the enhancements included the addition of a French roof story on the west side as well as one on the north and south wings. The depth of the building on the west side was also increased. Representatives Hall senate chambers were enlarged. On the exterior of the building, a portico was added, with the doors leading into the north and south wings being removed. The people and the politicians were certainly very pleased with this 1864 enhancement to the original 1818 building.
The thought in 1864 was the completed building would be more than sufficient for the people and no further renovations or enhancements would be needed.
Decades later, discussion once again started regarding the need for more space in our New Hampshire State House. Until this time, the building endured limited public scrutiny by citizens and the people felt they too should be allowed to walk freely and enjoy this prominent and historic building. So, in 1910, a third enhancement to the State House was planned and completed, open to the citizens to wander freely. A formal dedication was conducted on Oct. 25, 1910, with the cost for this renovation being $280,000.
Our ancestors were very proud of their New Hampshire State House and the building was certainly viewed as a tourist attraction. With the train depot to the east of the State House, people would arrive and travel by horse drawn carriage to Main Street accommodations at the Eagle or Phenix Hotels. When residing in the front rooms of these establishments the view was stunning.
The State House yard was landscaped and manicured with historic plantings. Hundreds of elm trees lined our Main Street too, creating a soothing environment boarded by merchants, restaurants, diners, taverns and more. Concord became a destination location where people could enjoy a day or more with limitless activities dictated only by the seasons in the shadow of the grand New Hampshire State House.