Cruising New Hampshire History:: A Guide to New Hampshire's Roadside Historical Markers

by Michael A. Bruno

New Hampshire history is uniquely on display along the highways of the Granite State. The New Hampshire roadside historical markers commemorate significant events and individuals from the first settlers arriving in 1623 to notable individuals who helped define what New Hampshire is today. New Hampshire played a major role in the birth of our nation. From Revolutionary battlefields to individuals of political influence, the Granite State has made an indelible mark on history. This book explores the 255 New Hampshire historical markers that dot the state highways and roads. Each marker is described with its location (to include GPS coordinates), date installed, marker inscription, and expanded historical references of this event/individual. Information may also be provided about other points of interest in the vicinity of the historical marker.

564 pages, Paperback

Published May 15, 2018

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We retired to New Hampshire from New York via Connecticut in 2018, not history buffs whatsoever. Math majors actually. Then Covid hit and we needed some solo things to do. Why not find all the covered bridges in the state? Done. Then, why not find all the historic markers in the state? Well Covid is over (seemingly) and we are still seeking out some of these markers and learning history at the same time..

I have made my own spreadsheet of markers, their locations, date visited, etc. We are moving along quite well without becoming obsessed.

I was fortunate enough to attend Michael Bruno's presentation at the historic Belknap Mill in Laconia last year. PLEASE come back!!! It was wonderful. I am also awaiting an addendum to this book, as the state continues to add markers! What a fun activity for us.

[Ellen Kolb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruising New Hampshire History belongs in the vehicle with anyone on a Granite State road trip, whether a resident or visitor. More than two hundred historical markers dot the state's roadsides. Bruno adds color and detail to the brief stories on each one. The markers are about everything from stories of the region's indigenous people to New Hampshire's colonial heritage, right up to 20th-century events like a UFO encounter and the development of a computer language. Bruno has done his homework. After reading his book, I'm ready for a road trip dedicated just to these markers.

[Malwae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinct, well organized, well researched run down of all the historical markers in New Hampshire and the backstory behind them. I always appreciate snapshot/timeline level history books for their value in pointing me at things I might want to look into in more detail.

Note - this is not the same author as the Mike who ran the Mike in New Hampshire, Exploring New Hampshire History, one Road Side Marker at a time Wordpress blog. They are both named Mike, they both catalogued New Hampshire road markers, but the blogger passed away in 2010, and Mr. Bruno is still giving talks.

[Ellen Kolb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one-of-a-kind guide to New Hampshire historical markers is great fun for anyone on a road trip in the Granite State. Bruno adds color and detail to the brief text on each marker. Along a state highway you might find a bit of history about the region's indigenous people, New Hampshire's colonial period, or the development of computer language at Dartmouth. For anyone interested in New Hampshire history or travel, "Cruising New Hampshire History" is a prime resource.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable read for history lovers and road trip explorers. I loved how each New Hampshire marker wasn’t just listed, but explained with extra background and nearby points of interest. It made me appreciate how much history is hiding in plain sight along the roads. A great companion for exploring the Granite State.