New Hampshire's State House in Concord has something that sets it apart from most other state capitols. It's the oldest state capitol in the country where both houses of the legislature still meet in their original chambers.

The building opened on June 2, 1819. That means New Hampshire lawmakers have been conducting business in the same rooms for more than 200 years. Think about that. James Monroe was president when the legislature first moved in!

I've visited quite a few state capitols during my travels. Some are enormous buildings that seem determined to impress visitors. Others are considerably more modest.

I visited Concord during my 2021 road trip. It's one of those stops that fits nicely into my interest in state capitols and American history. I didn't get inside, though. It was a weekend. That's one of the challenges of a long road trip. You can't always arrive when the doors are open.

The building was constructed using granite quarried nearby. Appropriate for a place nicknamed the Granite State. Its gold dome, topped by an eagle, makes it easy to recognize.

And here's another interesting statistic: New Hampshire has 400 members in its House of Representatives. That's the largest state House in the country. Imagine trying to get 400 politicians to agree on something!

Here's another bit of trivia: There's no seat numbered 13 in Representatives Hall. Apparently, even lawmakers aren't immune to a little superstition!

If you're exploring New Hampshire, I'd also recommend the Kancamagus Highway. This 34.5-mile scenic drive through the White Mountains is one of the prettiest stretches of road in New England, especially during fall foliage season. (By the way, that drive was tremendous!)

Two very different attractions, but both good reasons to spend some time in the Granite State.

And after more than 200 years, the New Hampshire legislature is still meeting in the same rooms. I wonder how many times somebody has suggested rearranging the furniture!

“The building ages. Democracy carries on.”

Classic Rock Song: “The Times They Are A-changin’” — Bob Dylan, 1964.

Plenty has changed since 1819. But New Hampshire's lawmakers are still doing business in the same chambers. Some traditions just keep rolling along!

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Until next time.....

Stan

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