25 Historical Figures With Interesting Ties to New Hampshire

Living in one of the oldest parts of the country, we're used to being surrounded by history. All around us are centuries-old buildings, abandoned military forts, mill buildings and colonial homes-turned-businesses, graveyards with illegible tombstones, and legends and folklore from days gone by.

But what people from the pages of history have either called New Hampshire home, visited, or had ties to the state in some way?

One popular name that comes to mind is U.S. President Franklin Pierce, who was in office from 1853-1857. Astronomers may think of the first man in space, Alan Shepard, while those with an affinity for poetry may mention the talented Robert Frost, whose work was often inspired by our beautiful state.

But there are many other names that you may be surprised to hear.

For instance, did you know that the inventor of Tupperware, co-founders of McDonald's, and author of the famous nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb" all hail from the Granite State? How about the fact that Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women, spent a few years living with her family in Walpole?

And what's this about Abraham Lincoln visiting Manchester and a certain infamous pirate lurking near the Isles of Shoals?

Let's dive in and learn more about these 25 interesting historical figures with different connections to New Hampshire.