A piece of history

Historic Spots

Take a moment out of your day to consider Manchester’s millyard past or plan a picnic in a spot rich with history. Here are some spots that offer a break from the present and a window into the past.

1. STARK PARK

650 River Road, Manchester, starkpark.com The 30-acre park is dedicated to New Hampshire’s Gen. John Stark, who penned the state motto, “Live Free or Die,” in 1809, and contains the land on which the Stark family farm once stood. Attractions include a large equestrian statue of Stark, several models of cannons and cannonballs, a memorial bench honoring Manchester Police Officer Michael Briggs, and a gazebo bandstand where live music is occasionally held.

2. NEW HAMPSHIRE STATEHOUSE

107 N. Main St., Concord, 271-2154, gencourt.state.nh.us/nh_visitorcenter/default.htm The Statehouse is the oldest state capital in the country in which both houses of the legislature meet in their original chambers. Visitors can take a guided or selfguided tour of the building; view permanent and rotating exhibits about New Hampshire history, government, state agencies and tourism; and browse the gift shop, which sells a variety of New Hampshire gifts as well as state and federal flags.

3. THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN

Franconia Notch State Park, off Route 93, Franconia, cannonmt.com/things-to-do/ activities/old-man-of-the-mountain The series of cliff ledges resembling the profile of a man’s face was a popular tourist attraction at Franconia Notch State Park until its collapse in May 2003. In 2011, the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund created the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza, with seven steel “profilers” that recreate the Old Man’s visage. Also at the State Park are museums with history, photos and stories of the Old Man and a gift shop.

4. AMOSKEAG MILLYARD

Between Commercial and Bedford streets, Manchester, 622-7531, manchesterhistoric.org The Millyard was the site of Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. from 1831 to 1936, the largest textile factory complex in New England at the time. Visitors can learn more at The Millyard Museum (200 Bedford St.), which is dedicated to Manchester history, particularly the history of the Millyard.

5. SAINT-GAUDENS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

139 St. Gaudens Road, Cornish, 675-2175, nps.gov/saga The 190-acre park features the home, gardens, studios and works of American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and was the site of his summer residence from 1885 to 1897. The park grounds, outdoor monuments and sculptures, gardens and wooded trails are free and open to the public year-round. The visitors center and museum buildings are open seasonally, June through October. The entrance fee, which covers a 7-day pass, is $10 for adults and free for kids under age 16. Admission is free on this season’s entrance fee-free days, which are Wednesdays, Aug. 4 and Aug. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 25.

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