Exeter, New Hampshire, served as the colonial capital of New Hampshire for over 150 years, anchoring the province’s early development in the 18th century. This historic town, situated along the Squamscott River, was chosen for its strategic location and relative safety compared to coastal settlements vulnerable to naval attacks. The legacy of this period is still palpable today, visible in the preserved architecture and the enduring narratives of the families who shaped the region’s political landscape.
Strategic Location and Establishment
The decision to establish Exeter as the capital was driven by pragmatic concerns of governance and defense. Founded in 1638 by Reverend John Wheelwright, the town offered fertile land for agriculture and a reliable water source for milling. Its inland position, roughly 12 miles from the coast, provided a buffer against potential French or Native American raids during the frequent conflicts of the colonial era. This centrality also allowed for easier administration of the scattered settlements across the rugged territory of the New Hampshire Grants.
The Seat of Royal Authority
In 1741, when New Hampshire officially separated from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Exeter became the designated seat of the new royal government. The construction of the Royal House, which functioned as the capitol building, solidified the town’s status. Here, the royal governor conducted official business, courts were held, and provincial assemblies convened, transforming the town into the political heart of the colony. This period cemented Exeter’s role in the administrative framework of British America.
Architectural Landmarks of Power
Several structures from this era survive as testaments to the town’s governmental importance. The Ladd-Gilman House, built in 1721, served as the official residence for the royal governors and now operates as a museum. Nearby, the American Independence Museum stands on the site of the original capitol, where the state’s first constitution was drafted in 1776. These buildings are not merely historical relics; they are physical embodiments of the administrative power that once pulsed through the town.
Ladd-Gilman House: Constructed by the influential Gilman family, serving as a governor’s mansion.
American Independence Museum: Located on the original capitol grounds, housing the Dunlap Broadside.
Exeter Town Hall: Represents the continuation of civic engagement in the historic center.
St. John’s Episcopal Church: Established in the colonial era, reflecting the religious life of the community.
Economic and Cultural Influence
As the capital, Exeter attracted merchants, craftsmen, and intellectuals, creating a vibrant economic hub. The river facilitated trade, allowing goods like timber, fish, and agricultural products to be transported to Portsmouth for export. This prosperity fostered a cultured environment where education and the arts flourished. The Phillips Exeter Academy, founded in 1781, is a direct product of this intellectual capital, drawing students and scholars to the town long after the capital status moved to Concord.
The Transition to Concord
The capital’s relocation to Concord in 1780 was driven by the need for a more central location following the conclusion of the Revolutionary War. Concord’s position in the geographic center of the state was seen as more equitable for representation and communication. While the political power shifted northward, Exeter retained its significance as a commercial and cultural center. The transition was gradual, ensuring that the infrastructure and social fabric of the town remained robust despite the loss of its primary administrative function.
Today, visitors to Exeter can walk through streets that witnessed the birth of a state. The legacy of its time as the colonial capital is not confined to history books but is woven into the very fabric of the community. Understanding this period is essential to grasping how New Hampshire evolved from a rugged frontier into a bastion of early American independence and governance.
