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New Hampshire Colony

By , About.com Guide

Year Founded:

1623

Founded By:

John Mason

Motivation for Founding:


New Hampshire was a planned colony. The land in the New World was granted to Captain John Mason who lived in Hampshire County, England. He sent settlers to the new territory to create a fishing colony. However, he died before ever seeing where he had spent a considerable amount of money building towns and defenses.

Significant Events:

  • This colony was part of Massachusetts at one time until England granted Massachusetts a royal charter in 1679.
  • Their ratification (they were the ninth) of the Constitution assured its passage.

Important People:

  • Captain John Mason
  • Governor Sir John Wentworth

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