New Hampshire has been home to notable figures who shaped American history. This section highlights a few individuals whose legacies are intertwined with the Granite State’s rich past.
Notable Figures from New Hampshire
Stephen Harriman Long
Born in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, Stephen Harriman Long was a distinguished explorer, topographical engineer, and inventor. His significant expeditions across the Great Plains in the early 19th century were instrumental in mapping and understanding the vast western territories of the United States, providing crucial data for national expansion.
John W. Gunnison
Another prominent individual linked to New Hampshire is John W. Gunnison. As a U.S. Army officer and explorer, Gunnison led vital surveying expeditions in the Great Northwest. His work focused on identifying potential routes for transcontinental railroads, contributing essential geographical insights during a period of rapid national development.
Charley Parkhurst
Charley Parkhurst, renowned as a formidable stagecoach driver in the American West, also has roots in New Hampshire. Parkhurst’s remarkable life story is notable for challenging conventional gender roles, embodying resilience and independence. This individual’s unique journey adds to the rich and diverse history of influential figures connected to New England.


