Some things never change in New Hampshire – including our position as a battleground state. In 1788, eight colonies had ratified the constitution – but nine were needed to establish the United States of America.
Stephanie Seacord, with Strawbery Banke Museum, says New Hampshire was split. "There were two factions in NH," she says. One, wanted to stay independent, the other hoped to join the union. The latter was largely based in Portsmouth and led by then-Governor John Langdon.
Seacord says on June 21st, 1788, Langdon and his posse traveled to Concord and pushed the vote in favor of ratifying the constitution. The state of New Hampshire was born, and the U.S. Constitution became law.
Residents and city officials will celebrate at North Cemetery in Portsmouth Saturday morning. Strawbery Banke Museum is free to New Hampshire residents all weekend. 226 years ago this weekend, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the United States Constitution.