Founded in the early 18th century, Concord grew along the Merrimack River and became an important political and industrial center. Today, its downtown area is lined with local shops, cafés, galleries, and historic buildings, creating a walkable and inviting environment. A highlight of the city is the New Hampshire State House, the oldest state capitol in the country where the legislature still meets in its original chambers.
- New Hampshire State House
- Concord Downtown
New Hampshire State House – Nicknamed the People’s House, the Capitol building was built between 1816 and 1819 in Greek Revival style with smooth granite blocks. The entrance is covered by a small portico supported by Doric columns.
An octagonal drum with large arched windows supports a golden dome. The dome was covered in copper by Paul Revere’s company and later gilded with gold leaf, giving it its famous golden glow. An original wooden eagle by artist Leonard Morse was placed in 1818; it was replaced by a copper replica looking right (vs. the original’s left) in 1957. Visitors can take a guided or self-guided tour of the State House throughout the week.
The main entrance opens into the Hall of Flags, modeled after the one in the Massachusetts State House. It features 107 battle flags from New Hampshire units that served in the Civil War, the Spanish–American War, World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War.
New Hampshire State House, Governor’s Chamber – This room functions both as the Governor’s office as well as the Reception Room and is used for meetings and public events.
New Hampshire State House, House Chamber – The House Chamber accommodates 400 members of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, each assigned a seat designated by the Speaker. Electronic voting buttons are installed at every seat for efficient roll-call voting. Five prominent portraits—John Hale, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Franklin Pierce, and Daniel Webster—hang on the chamber walls. Visitors can observe the legislative sessions from a gallery on the 3rd floor.
New Hampshire State House, Senate Chamber – The room was built in 1819 and still has the same furniture from the 1942 upgrade. There is a smaller gallery for the public on the third level.
Concord Downtown – After visiting the Capitol Building, we walked around the neighborhood and stopped by to admire a clock and the Legislative office building.
- Concord’s Clock – This historic clock and bell is from the former Board of Trade Building. After being separated when the tower was removed, the two pieces were eventually reunited and are now displayed in a glass shelter along Main Street. The clock (c. 1872) and bell (1873) were carefully restored and preserved for public viewing.
- Legislative Office Building – Located within walking distance of the New Hampshire State House in Concord, this impressive building was built in 1889 and is one of the state’s largest structures constructed from locally quarried granite. The building originally served as a post office and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places under the name Old Post Office.
