NASHUA, N.H. – As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its independence, attention focuses on Massachusetts colonists who contributed to the American Revolution. However, New Hampshire’s contributions are also worth noting according to Gov. Kelly Ayotte. She highlighted an event known as the Pine Tree Riot as a significant act of defiance against British taxation policies.
Ayotte explained, “Before the Boston Tea Party, we had the Pine Tree Riots here in New Hampshire. That’s because the British tried to come in and tax our pine trees and take them for their own, and we said no way.” These riots occurred due to a British policy restricting colonists from cutting down White pine trees larger than 12 inches in diameter. Such trees were reserved for the Royal Navy’s ship masts. This event is commemorated in the New Hampshire exhibit at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall.
The governor stated, “We were early joiners of the revolution, very proud of this nation. New Hampshire has a very special role in the history of this country.” The Pine Tree Riot is documented in the state’s exhibition on the National Mall, alongside mentions of New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation state Constitution.
An arch with a 110-foot “Freedom 250” Ferris wheel graces the fair, displaying New Hampshire’s history. Prominent figures from the state read from the Declaration of Independence in a video presentation. Attendees also taste New Hampshire’s famous maple syrup.
Back home, Ayotte noted that special documents would be available at the Statehouse visitor center. These include the Dunlap Broadsides, the first printings of the Declaration of Independence, and original 1823 William J. Stone engravings of the document.
Cities across New Hampshire are set to continue their robust Fourth of July celebrations, with parades, fairs, and fireworks. Ayotte, running for re-election, confirmed she would be participating in four Independence Day parades on July 3 and 4. “It’s going to be fantastic,” she remarked.
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