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.

NH history: Oldest home in New Hampshire is literally older than the country. Here’s where it is

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.

The death of a Newton, Massachusetts, family of four in New Hampshire this Christmas has left many in the city in mourning.

The Goldsteins — husband and wife Matthew and Lyla and their daughters Violet and Valerie — were found on Wednesday dead inside their vacation home in Wakefield of what investigators suspect was carbon monoxide poisoning — there were no carbon monoxide detectors at the home, authorities said Friday.

Valerie, 22, was supposed to be having a birthday party Friday. Instead, friends gathered to remember her.

“She was the most loving, accepting person you could possibly imagine,” Jessie King told reporters.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better friend,” said Keren Kohane, calling the family accepting, close, “warm and welcoming.”

Matthew Goldstein was a teacher at Brookline Public Schools — flowers and messages of condolence were left at the K-8 Edith Baker School, where he taught.

“Mr. Goldstein’s dedication to inspiring students and shaping young minds has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Superintendent Linus Guillory Jr. said in a message to the community.

A Massachusetts teacher is among four people who died in a suspected carbon monoxide incident in New Hampshire on Christmas Day.

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Valerie’s friend Conor Sheehy remembered him similarly: “He was beloved as a teacher. He would constantly post about how students would return back to his classroom to come visit him.”

Violet’s roommate at the Rhode Island School of Design, Finleigh Lewis, said in a statement obtained by The Boston Globe that she was “a beautiful source of light,” kind and caring.

Investigators have so far confirmed that Matthew Goldstein died of carbon monoxide poisoning, with testing still pending for the rest of the family, but officials described what happened as apparently a tragic accident.

“At this time we’ve identified the homes heating system to be the source of the carbon monoxide leak,” New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said.

Four people who hadn’t been heard from on Christmas were found dead inside a home in Wakefield, New Hampshire, from apparent carbon monoxide poisoning.

The bodies were found inside the family’s home on Province Lake Road after authorities were called for a wellbeing check around 4:21 p.m. — family members reported that they didn’t show up to a holiday event they were supposed to attend.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas with no odor or color produced in the burning of fuel, and Toomey urged the public to ensure they have working alarms in their homes to prevent further tragedies like the one that befell the Goldsteins.

BRADFORD, N.H. (WCAX) – Authorities say a man involved in an hourslong standoff with police at a home in Bradford, New Hampshire, died after the house went up in flames.

Police were called to the home on West Main Street at about 12:45 p.m. Thursday for a report of a man in crisis. Officers found the man armed with a knife. They tried to de-escalate the situation but were not successful.

At about 5:30 p.m., police spotted fire and smoke started coming from the home. Multiple crews were called in to fight the fire which took hours to extinguish.

The man was found dead inside the house after the fire was out. His body was sent to the medical examiner for autopsy to verify his identity and confirm the cause and manner of death. Police say the death is not considered suspicious.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis, help is available. You can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

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