1. On January 15, 1776, New Hampshire became the first state to provide a constitution that specifically authorized the state to establish independent courts. This constitution also provided many of the basic political and legal structures that would become the foundation of democratic government in the United States.

2. In 1851, the New Hampshire State Normal School, now Plymouth State University, opened its doors for the first time. It was the first institution in the state dedicated to training teachers, and it would go on to produce thousands of successful educators over the years.

3. On January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia. While he never lived in New Hampshire, King's legacy and influence on the Civil Rights Movement had a profound impact on the state and the country as a whole.

4. In 1947, the University of New Hampshire officially opened its doors as a state university. Today, UNH is a major research institution with over 15,000 students, and its innovations and discoveries have helped to advance the fields of science and technology.

5. On January 15, 1990, the historic covered bridge in Bath, New Hampshire, was destroyed by a flood. The bridge was originally built in 1832 and was one of the oldest and most iconic covered bridges in the state. Although it was eventually rebuilt, the flood was a reminder of the importance of preserving New Hampshire's historic landmarks and treasures.