Concord, New Hampshire: The Capital Bordering Canada, Maine, Vermont & Massachusetts
The state described—bordering Canada (Quebec) to the north, Maine to the northeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, Massachusetts to the south, and Vermont to the west—is New Hampshire. Its capital is Concord.
Concord at a Glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|
| Population (2023 est.) | 44,500 |
| Area | 174 km² (67.3 sq mi) |
| County | Merrimack County (county seat) |
| Founded | 1725 (as Penacook Plantation); incorporated 1765 |
| Became Capital | 1808 (moved from Portsmouth) |
| Time Zone | Eastern (UTC−5/−4) |
Why Concord?
- Central location relative to 1800 population centers.
- Merrimack River provided transport & water power.
- Political compromise between Portsmouth (seacoast) and inland towns.
Key Landmarks
- New Hampshire State House (1819) – oldest state capitol where legislature meets in original chambers.
- McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center – space science museum honoring Christa McAuliffe (Concord teacher/astronaut).
- Pierce Manse – home of President Franklin Pierce (14th US President, NH native).
- White Park – historic urban park with skating pond.
New Hampshire's Borders in Detail
- North: Quebec province (Canada) – 93 km (58 mi) land border.
- East: Maine – 95 km (59 mi); Piscataqua River / Portsmouth harbor.
- Southeast: Atlantic Ocean – 29 km (18 mi) coastline (shortest of any coastal state).
- South: Massachusetts – 89 km (55 mi).
- West: Vermont – 232 km (144 mi) along Connecticut River.
Concord remains a compact, walkable capital city serving as the administrative heart of the "Granite State."
Wanderlust World