1. In 1777, New Hampshire became the first state to ratify the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States.

2. In 1832, the New Hampshire State House was destroyed by fire. The building that stands today was completed in 1819 and is the oldest state capital building in the United States in which the legislature meets in its original chambers.

3. In 1863, New Hampshire passed a law making it illegal to possess or sell alcohol. The law remained in effect until 1903.

4. In 1917, New Hampshire became the ninth state to adopt the direct primary system for selecting candidates for office.

5. In 1998, a severe ice storm hit New Hampshire, causing widespread power outages and property damage. The storm, which lasted several days and resulted in several deaths, is considered one of the worst natural disasters in the state's history.