The Granite State is the fifth smallest state by land, the ninth state to be admitted to the Union and the first of the colonies to establish its own state constitution. It’s known for skiing, hiking, fall drives and as the home of author Dan Brown, President Franklin Pierce and astronaut Alan Shepard. New Hampshire was settled by Europeans in 1623, not long after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, but Native Americans inhabited the area long before the early Americans. Here are some of its notable historical churches and religious places.

First Parish Church in Dover

This parish church congregation was established in 1632. The present building was built in 1829, inspired by Federal style architecture. It’s a beautiful church, with a gabled roof, steeple and a tower with an open octagonal belfry. The congregation is still active today and affiliated with the United Church of Christ. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Newington Town Church 

In 2012, this church celebrated its 300th anniversary. The church building sits on the original site. Construction on the building began in 1712, and today it is considered the oldest structure in the United States still in continuous use by Congregationalists. The church bell was cast by Revere & Son inn 1802. 

America’s Stonehenge

No one actually knows who built this maze, but it’s suspected that the builders were very knowledgeable about astronomy because the site is an accurate astronomical calendar. Some estimate the site is 4,000 years old or more. There are chambers, walls and ceremonial meeting places within this area. It’s an architectural monument of nature near Salem. 

Cathedral of the Pines  

This nationally recognized memorial is dedicated to Americans who serve. It was founded in 1945, specifically to honor World War II veterans, but today it honors all American men and women, both military and civilian who work to bring peace. This open-air cathedral overlooks Grand Monadnock. People of all faiths are welcome to enjoy it.

Canterbury Shaker Village

The Shakers were a religious movement that was most active in the 18th and 19th centuries. They lived peacefully, practiced celibacy and allowed for women leaders during a time when women rarely owned property. This village has been restored to give you an idea of how they lived.

Mount Washington

This mountain is also known as Agiochoo, which means “the place of the Great Spirit.” The Abenaki people believed that the gods inhabited the mountain top. Native Americans did not climb the mountains, believing them to be sacred. It’s thought that the first ascent of the mountain was made in the mid-1600s, but the mountain was not called Mount Washington until 1784. It’s now a tourist area that bustles almost all year round because of its beauty and snowfall.

North Church of Portsmouth

This church traces its roots to 1638. The building, built in the Italianate style, has a steeple that makes it stand out within the city. President George Washington once attended a service here when he visited the state. It’s a lovely church that has an active congregation today.

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Portsmouth

This congregation was established in 1732. Before the Revolutionary War, it was called Queen’s Chapel, after King George II’s wife, Queen Caroline. The current building is the first church to be built with brick in New Hampshire. The oldest pipe organ in the United States is housed within the sanctuary. Queen Caroline gifted the church a Bible, which would be known as a Vinegar Bible, because of its multitude of editing errors, including a chapter heading of Luke 20 “The Parable of the Vinegar.” It should read “The Parable of the Vineyard.” St. John’s is the oldest Episcopal parish in the state.