State House

Description:

• New Hampshire's state legislature consists of 412 representatives and senators, making it the third-largest legislative body in the entire English-speaking world. Only the U.S. Congress and the British Parliament are bigger! This is an incredibly odd fact, given Granite Staters' chronic mistrust of government of any sort -- on the other hand, it means that even the smallest towns are well represented. So it makes sense, in a strange sort of way. Despite its size, the legislature still occupies its original chambers, built beginning in 1816. Indeed, this is the nation's oldest state capitol in which a legislature still meets in its original chambers.

  Both chambers were restored in the mid-1970s, and visitors can catch a glimpse of both hallowed halls during a self-guided tour of the building. Stop by the visitor center in Room 119 and pick up a map and brochure, then wander halls lined with portraits of dour legislators. Especially impressive are the portrait of Benning Wentworth (he was New Hampshire's first governor) and the statue of revered native son Daniel Webster, who still stands guard on the lawn out front.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010