Near Dixville Notch in Coos County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)

Dixville Notch

"First in the Nation"

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 19, 2006

1. Dixville Notch "First in the Nation"

Inscription. New Hampshire has held the first-in-the-nation presidential primaries since 1920. With the first presidential "beauty contest" in 1952, our citizens have personally met the candidates and by popular ballot have declared their preference for their party's nominee. Since 1960, Dixville has been the first community in the state and country to cast its handful of votes in national elections. On election eve 100% of the eligible voters gather in the Ballot Room of the BALSAMS. At midnight polls open and a few minutes later promptly close. The results are broadcast around the world.

Erected 1998 by New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources. (Marker Number 171.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the New Hampshire Historical Highway Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.

Location. 44° 51.997′ N, 71° 18.166′ W. Marker is near Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, in Coos County. Marker is on State Highway 26, on the left when traveling east. Highway 26, Coos County, New Hampshire, 10 miles East of Colebrook. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Colebrook NH 03576, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Early Settlers

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(approx. 1.1 miles away); The Coos Trail (approx. 9.2 miles away); Hicks Hardware (approx. 9.7 miles away); Country Roots (approx. 9.7 miles away); Sutton Place (approx. 9.7 miles away); Citizen’s Bank (approx. 9.7 miles away); Wilderness Restaurant (approx. 9.7 miles away); Jenkins Funeral (approx. 9.7 miles away).

Also see . . .
1. The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel. This link describes the historic Balsams hotel, (located at Dixville Notch), where the country's first primary ballots are cast during each presidential election cycle. (Submitted on August 22, 2012, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. This site describes the village and history of Dixville Notch. (Submitted on August 22, 2012, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Additional keywords. president

Dixville Notch, New Hampshire image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 19, 2006

2. Dixville Notch, New Hampshire

The Ballot Room of The Balsams is where Dixville Notch's presidential primary votes are cast just after midnight on the day of the New Hampshire primaries. These votes cast by Dixville Notch residents are usually the first to be cast, counted, and reported each year.

The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 19, 2006

3. The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel

The Balsams Hotel (stone entry gate) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 19, 2006

4. The Balsams Hotel (stone entry gate)

The Balsams Hotel (front view) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 11, 2007

5. The Balsams Hotel (front view)

The Balsams Hotel (driveway) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 11, 2007

6. The Balsams Hotel (driveway)

The Balsams Hotel (back view) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 11, 2007

7. The Balsams Hotel (back view)

The Balsams Hampshire House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 11, 2007

8. The Balsams Hampshire House

Though known locally as "the new wing," the 120 rooms of Hampshire House were completed during the winter of 1917-1918 and opened for the season that summer. Band music for the dedication was furnished by John Philip Sousa. Famous guests include Presidents Harding and T.R.Roosevelt, Dag Hammarskjold, New York's Jimmy Walker (who pitched hay), Gabriel Heatter, Gov. George Romney, and Popsicle, a 700lb. elephant.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2012, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,277 times since then and 134 times this year. Last updated on June 19, 2014, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on August 22, 2012, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.