Blackmouth

Excerpt from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackmouth, circa 2019

Blackmouth (US: /'blækmɔːθ/) is a historic city located in the state of New Hampshire, United States. As the most populous city in the state, it serves as the cultural, economic, and political hub of the region. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1643, Blackmouth stands as one of the oldest cities in the nation. Although the county government of Saul County was disbanded in 1975, Blackmouth continues to be recognized as the county seat. The city is situated within the greater Blackmouth metropolitan area, which is home to an estimated 2.1 million residents as of 2016.

History

Blackmouth's origins can be traced back to its establishment on the southern banks of the Black River, around the military fort known as Harton's Knobbe. Founded in 1643, the city flourished as a prominent trading port during the colonial era. It attracted a diverse array of settlers who sought refuge from the Puritan-dominated colonies of Massachusetts Bay, including Anglicans, Catholics, and Jews. Notably, Blackmouth hosted one of the first English-speaking Catholic churches in the Americas, and to this day, it maintains a substantial Catholic population.

While Blackmouth did not witness direct engagement during the Revolutionary War, it endured a raid and subsequent burning by British forces during the War of 1812. The city, however, demonstrated resilience and underwent a significant rebuilding phase led by visionary architect Victor Herbert Crane. Under Crane's guidance, Blackmouth's reconstruction adhered to an ambitious plan that sought to embody the spirit of the "New America" he termed "The Rebirth." The process involved burying the remnants of the colonial past beneath grand avenues, monumental stonework, and the development of new railroads. This transformation solidified Blackmouth as a symbol of progress and innovation.

Industrialization played a pivotal role in Blackmouth's evolution, propelling it into an era of growth and prosperity. However, as the 20th century unfolded, the city faced challenges, including the depletion of local resources and the shifting of industries to western regions. Despite the temporary rejuvenation brought by Lend-Lease, war production, and the Marshall Plan, Blackmouth eventually confronted the urban decay that afflicted major cities such as New York and Chicago. Former industrial areas became abandoned, with warehouses and docks deteriorating, symbolic of the city's changing economic landscape.

Present Day

Though Blackmouth bears the scars of its past, it remains a resilient city, striving to reinvent itself. Hollingworth University, a distinguished institution within the Ivy League, continues to flourish, albeit facing competition from neighboring Boston, which lures many of Blackmouth's brightest minds. The city's monumental architecture draws tourists, inviting them to marvel at its grandeur. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the entertainment offerings of Dover Island, one of the few locations in New Hampshire permitting commercial gambling. It is worth noting that individuals visiting Blackmouth should exercise caution, as the city has acquired the unfortunate reputation of being the missing persons capital of the United States, with a higher number of annual disappearances than the entire state of Arizona.

City Nicknames

The City of Arches, the Free City

City Motto

Et sta super omnes nos' (And above all, we stand)