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Did You Know!

New Hampshire was the first colony to establish its own government independent of British rule.

Most people know that Massachusetts and Virginia played major roles in the American Revolution, but fewer realize that New Hampshire became the first American colony to set up its own independent government. On January 5, 1776—nearly six months before the signing of the Declaration of Independence—New Hampshire adopted its own constitution and effectively broke away from British authority.

This early move helped pave the way for the other colonies to form independent governments and ultimately declare independence from Great Britain.

Why it's interesting: While many people associate the start of American independence with July 4, 1776, New Hampshire was already governing itself months earlier, making it a quiet pioneer in the nation's founding.