One the the initial 13 claims (it gone into the Union in 1788), brand-new Hampshire was named after the English county of Hampshire. New Hampshire is called the "Granite State" since of its numerous granite quarries; the nickname may also reflect the state"s attachments to tradition and also its background of a frugal government. There room no general sales or individual revenue taxes, i beg your pardon fits through the state motto that "Live totally free or die." A reasonably small state, new Hampshire plays a significant role every four years in the presidential election, as it hold the first primary election.