Hampshire in New England: County, Not State

There is no state called Hampshire in New England. The six New England states are: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut.

Hampshire County, Massachusetts

• Location: Pioneer Valley, western Massachusetts.
• Seat: Northampton (cultural hub, Smith College).
• Towns: Amherst (UMass, Amherst College), Hadley, South Hadley (Mount Holyoke), Easthampton, Belchertown, Granby, Ware.
• Geography: Connecticut River west bank, Holyoke Range, Quabbin Reservoir watershed.
• History: Created 1662 (original massive county). Reduced as Franklin, Hampden, Worcester counties split off.

New Hampshire (The State)

Often confused — New Hampshire is a state, not "Hampshire." Named for Hampshire, England (Captain John Mason). Capital: Concord. "Live Free or Die."

Hampshire, England

Southern English county (Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, New Forest). Namesake for both New Hampshire and Hampshire County, MA.