Politics and Government:
* Daniel Webster: One of the most famous American orators and statesmen. He served as Secretary of State and is known for his powerful speeches defending the Union during the antebellum period.
* Franklin Pierce: The 14th President of the United States. His presidency was marked by the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the growing sectional tensions that led to the Civil War.
* Levi Woodbury: Served as a Senator, Governor of New Hampshire, and Supreme Court Justice. He played a key role in the early development of the Democratic Party.
* John Stark: A Revolutionary War hero, General Stark is best known for his victory at the Battle of Bennington, a key turning point in the war.
Literature and Arts:
* Robert Frost: Celebrated American poet who won four Pulitzer Prizes. He is known for his poems that capture the essence of rural New England life.
* Mary Baker Eddy: Founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist and the author of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures."
* Maxfield Parrish: An iconic illustrator known for his highly detailed and whimsical works, often depicting fantastical landscapes and creatures.
Business and Industry:
* Frederick W. Smith: Founder of FedEx, one of the world's largest delivery companies, is a New Hampshire native.
* Amoskeag Manufacturing Company: A major textile mill in Manchester, NH, it was once the largest employer in the state and a symbol of industrial progress.
Other Notable Figures:
* Hannah Dustin: A frontier heroine who famously escaped captivity from Native Americans and killed ten of her captors.
* Molly Pitcher: A legendary figure who supposedly took her husband's place in battle during the Revolutionary War, operating a cannon and providing water to soldiers. (While the historical accuracy of the story is debated, she is a popular figure in New Hampshire folklore.)
Choosing a "Most Famous" is difficult:
There's no definitive "most famous" person from New Hampshire. It depends on what you value and what you find interesting. However, Daniel Webster and Robert Frost are arguably the most recognized figures nationally and internationally.
It's also worth noting that many lesser-known individuals have made significant contributions to the state's history and culture.