Franklin Pierce: New Hampshire’s Only United States President

Betty's Travel Planning Tips
Submitted by: Betty Gagne, Granite State Ambassador, First in the Nation Class 1999; Customer Service Assistant NH Division of Travel & Tourism Development


Franklin Pierce was the only United States President who hailed from New Hampshire and served as the country’s 14th president. There are several points of interest in NH that relate to Franklin Pierce, including his childhood homestead in Hillsborough, the Pierce Manse in Concord, and his burial site in the Old North Cemetery, also in Concord.

Source: City Profile

The Franklin Pierce Homestead in Hillsborough is where Pierce spent most of his childhood; it was constructed by his father the year Franklin was born. Here Daniel Webster was entertained in the ballroom on the second floor, and Franklin Pierce drilled local militia groups. The mansion is maintained and operated by the Hillsborough Historical Society. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The home is located off Route 31; New Hampshire residents are admitted free of charge, while others pay a small admission fee. Guided tours are offered. For information, please call 603-478-3165, or visit the New Hampshire Parks and Recreation webpage dedicated to this historic site.

Source: Wikipedia

The Pierce Manse is located at 14 Horseshoe Pond Lane in Concord, and is the only house ever owned and occupied by Franklin Pierce, his wife Jane, and their two children. Constructed in Greek Revival style, the home is open for tours from June through October. Threatened with demolition in 1966, it was saved and moved to a site in Concord's Historic District. The house has been restored and many of the furnishings either belonged to Pierce or other members of his family. Group tours may be scheduled by appointment.

Source: Wikipedia

The Franklin Pierce Burial Site is in the Old North Cemetery in Concord. Pierce is buried there with his wife Jane and two of their sons. The gravesite was refurbished and the deteriorating markers were replaced by a single granite spire with all the names inscribed. The first child was buried elsewhere at the time of death. The burial site sits toward the rear of the graveyard and is marked by a tall marker. There is also an historical marker in the cemetery with more information about Pierce’s life.

A distinguished statue of Franklin Pierce sits proudly on the lawn of the NH State House on Main Street in Concord. The dedication took place on November 25th, 1914. You can learn more about Franklin Pierce’s legacy and see a photo of the statue by visiting the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources.