This Souvenir Fridge Magnet Shows the New Hampshire State House in the City of Concord

With its golden dome and striking facade, this image shows the State House - the capitol buildings - for the State of New Hampshire. The building dates back to 1819 and is typical of Federalist Style of the day: Greek Revival facade, a portico reminiscent of the White House and smooth granite blocks (New Hampshire is, after all "the Granite State"). On top is a white cupola topped with golden dome, itself surmounted by a golden eagle statue - the eagle had been the national bird since 1782. While the 1819 building is not the oldest state house in the United States it is the oldest one still in use as a place of legislation and it was originally constructed for $82,000 - certainly few construction projects have earned their value so many times over!

Visiting Concord, the Capital of New Hampshire

Concord is one of the nations' smallest capital cities (though certainly not the smallest, that goes to tiny Montpelier, Vermont with 7,700 inhabitants) and maintains its small-town charm, including a traditional Main Street shopping district with brick and a handful of stone structures. Other historic structures include the Phenix Hall - where Abraham Lincoln once spoke - the Eagle Hotel, and the home of President Franklin Pierce. Every year, the city also hosts the SNOB Film Fest - an acronym for "Somewhat North of Boston" - in the Red River Theaters independent cinema. A trip to Concord can be the first step to a journey further north to the White Mountains and Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the east which for decades held the record for the strongest gust of wind on earth - at 231 mp (372 km/h) in 1934. Travelers can also enjoy a more serene trip in the White Mountain National Forest or Franconia Notch State Park.