Best Kept Secrets in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is rich in history, and while some secrets may have faded into obscurity, others continue to intrigue and fascinate. Here are some of the best-known historic secrets of New Hampshire:

1. Lost Treasure of the Isle of Shoals: The Isles of Shoals, located off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine, have long been rumored to hide buried treasure. Legend has it that pirate Captain Kidd buried his treasure on the islands in the late 17th century. Despite numerous searches over the years, the treasure has never been found, leading to speculation and mystery surrounding its whereabouts.
2. The Mystery Stone of New Hampshire: Discovered in 1872 in an excavation near Lake Winnipesaukee, the Mystery Stone is a small, egg-shaped object with mysterious carvings of symbols and figures. Its origin and purpose remain unknown, sparking theories ranging from Native American artifacts to ancient European relics. The stone is housed in the New Hampshire Historical Society, but its true significance continues to baffle historians and archaeologists.
3. The Pine Tree Riot: In 1772, New Hampshire colonists revolted against British authority in what became known as the Pine Tree Riot. The British government had passed laws prohibiting colonists from cutting down white pine trees marked with the king’s broad arrow symbol, which were reserved for use as ship masts. In defiance of these laws, colonists led by John Langdon and Ebenezer Mudgett seized a shipment of mast trees in what is now Weare, New Hampshire, sparking a confrontation with British authorities. The riot is considered one of the earliest acts of resistance against British rule in the American colonies and a precursor to the Revolutionary War.
4. The Devil’s Den: Located in the town of Hillsborough, the Devil’s Den is a mysterious rock formation with ancient petroglyphs carved into its surface. The origin and meaning of the petroglyphs, which depict various symbols and figures, remain a subject of speculation and debate among historians and archaeologists. Some believe they were created by Native American tribes for religious or ceremonial purposes, while others attribute them to early European settlers or even extraterrestrial visitors.
5. The Ghost Ship of Lake Superior: In 1879, the schooner Rouse Simmons, known as the Christmas Tree Ship, mysteriously disappeared on Lake Superior while en route to Chicago with a cargo of Christmas trees. The ship’s fate remained unknown for over a century until its wreckage was discovered off the coast of Michigan in 1971. However, rumors persist that a ghostly apparition of the ship can still be seen sailing the waters of Lake Superior, haunting those who encounter it.

These historic secrets and mysteries of New Hampshire add to the state’s allure and intrigue, inspiring curiosity and fascination among residents and visitors alike. While some may remain unsolved, they continue to capture the imagination and keep the spirit of exploration alive in the Granite State.