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This area covers Concord, New Hampshire, tracing how state politics, commerce, and public culture shaped the downtown core.
In the 19th century, river trade and the railroad pulled activity to South Main Street and spurred mixed-use blocks that served merchants and travelers. As the century progressed, the New Hampshire State House anchored government functions and drew civic gatherings that reinforced the capitol’s central role. By the mid-20th century, public institutions and schools stabilized the population and supported daily life across the neighborhoods. In later decades, cultural venues such as the Capitol Center for the Arts signaled renewed investment in downtown programming and events, linking civic spaces with year-round audiences.
At the Endicott Hotel, former governor John B. Smith bought Blanchard’s Block in 1908 and converted its upper floors from offices to a hotel between 1914 and 1920 to serve increasing rail travelers near the Boston and Maine station. The change redirected the building’s use toward lodging and dining, reshaping South Main Street’s visitor traffic.
After the Civil War at the New Hampshire State House, veterans and families placed battlefield flags carried by New Hampshire regiments in Doric Hall, forming the Hall of Flags. The community-created display turned a public space into a memorial with preserved banners along the walls.
At the Mary Baker Eddy House, Eddy rented the home in June 1889, closed her Massachusetts Metaphysical College by year’s end, and completed the fiftieth edition of Science and Health in January 1891. These actions consolidated doctrinal revisions and set up later organizational changes in Christian Science.
At Horseshoe Island by Horseshoe Pond, workers cut and stored ice in the late 19th and early 20th centuries using saws and tongs, supplying local needs and shipments to New England cities. The winter industry provided seasonal employment and left traces like ice house foundations near the pond.
New Hampshire State House
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