New Hampshire

The oldest town in NH is over 400 years old. But actually it’s 2 towns

Published

1 year ago

December 28, 2024

The oldest town in NH is over 400 years old. But actually it’s 2 towns

As one of the original 13 colonies, New Hampshire’s oldest town is over 400 years old. But did you know the state actually started in two different settlements?

According to the Rye Historical Society, Samuel De Champlain first documented New Hampshire’s islands, which were inhabited by Indigenous peoples, in 1605. Yet, the English did not settle the land until years later. In 1623, Captain John Mason of England sent two divisions of men to establish a fishing colony at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, according to the New Hampshire Almanac. However, when the two groups hit land in what is now known as New Hampshire, they landed about 20 miles apart.

The division led by Scotsman David Thomson set up a stone house near Odiorne Point at the mouth of the river, a place they called Pannaway, which is now Rye. Meanwhile, brothers and fish merchants Edward and Thomas led their group to settle in Dover, which they originally called Northam.

Together with Portsmouth, Exeter and Hampton, these early settlements became a royal province in 1679, existing under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts from 1698-1741. New Hampshire, named after Captain Mason’s county in England, officially became a state in 1788, making the oldest towns 165 years older than the state.

Rye continued to thrive as a fishing and farming community in the 1800s, and Dover used nearby rivers to power mills for cotton-making, eventually expanding to the brick and shoe manufacturing industries.

Visit Dover and Rye

While updated to fit a modern world, both of New Hampshire’s oldest towns are still in touch with their rural heritage. Though Dover is now one of the state’s most populated towns, several public parks, walking trails and water activities allow you to reconnect with the town’s natural beauty. Rye has maintained a much smaller population, yet the fishing town is home to three beautiful beaches, endless acres of freshwater marsh and scenic coastal parks.

Historical roots are also evident throughout each town, whether in old buildings and houses lining the streets or special attractions commemorating the past. In Dover, history lovers can explore the town’s roots at the Woodman Institute Museum, and in Rye, the Rye Historical Society and Rye Town Museum give a glimpse into the founding of the state.

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New Hampshire

NH National Guard activated in connection with Iran war

Published

4 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

NH National Guard activated in connection with Iran war

The federal government has activated the New Hampshire National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing in connection with the war with Iran.

“I’ve had a briefing myself, a classified briefing, but it’s really important on the messaging on this that we really coordinate with the Pentagon,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte told reporters during a press briefing following Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting.

Ayotte said she was unable to share additional details about the nature of the New Hampshire National Guard’s activity related to the conflict, including how many guard members have been activated or what role they are playing.

“We’re going to respect what messaging comes out of the Pentagon just to make sure that our men and women in uniform are fully protected and that we aren’t providing any information that could be used in a way that would be harmful to them,” Ayotte said.

In a statement Thursday, Ayotte said the unit had been deployed in late February to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of the operation.

Pease Air National Guard KC-46 Pegasus air refueling aircraft in June 2023.

Earlier this week, Pentagon officials confirmed that members of the Vermont National Guard were involved in attacks against Iran over the weekend, though our news partners at Vermont Public were not able to confirm additional details on the nature of the operation.

During the briefing with local reporters, Ayotte also stressed her support for servicemembers and those close to them.

“I have such respect for our men and women in uniform,” Ayotte said. “As you know, I come from a military family, and they have our full support, and we appreciate them and their families, and obviously anyone who is serving right now, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost someone that they love.”

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New Hampshire

NH Senate Votes To Hike Turnpike Tolls for Out-of-State Vehicles

Published

16 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

NH Senate Votes To Hike Turnpike Tolls for Out-of-State Vehicles

By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org

CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.

It now goes to the House for consideration.

This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.

An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.

Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.

Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment.
He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.

“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.

The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.

McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.

“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.

Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.

If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.

The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.

New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads.
The governor said she does not support a toll increase.