John Stark: Live Free or Die
6/3/2026 | 1m 49sVideo has Closed Captions
You know New Hampshire’s motto. Do you know John Stark’s story?
New Hampshire’s most legendary Revolutionary War hero was as stubborn as he was fearless. John Stark’s battlefield leadership and famous words became part of the state’s identity.
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Granite State History Minute is a local public television program presented by NHPBS
John Stark: Live Free or Die
6/3/2026 | 1m 49sVideo has Closed Captions
New Hampshire’s most legendary Revolutionary War hero was as stubborn as he was fearless. John Stark’s battlefield leadership and famous words became part of the state’s identity.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipDid you know that New Hampshire's greatest war hero was grumpy, stubborn, and exactly the kind of leader New Hampshire men wanted.
John Stark was so popular, in fact, that about 800 men enlisted to serve under him.
That's 13 full companies of men.
The people from New Hampshire had looked to him as a leader long before the war broke out, so it was only natural that he would take up command when the fighting started.
Initially, stark served in the Continental Army, where he proved himself early in the war as a tough, seasoned fighter.
A first hand account of an early battled event described Stark as leading a thundering charge toward a Hessian regiment, breaking down all opposition before him.
However, when he was passed over for promotion, he quit the Continental Army and returned to his farm in Derryfield.
He took up arms once again just a few months later, this time leading the New Hampshire Militia, but he did so only on one condition he would never take orders from anyone in the Continental Army.
Stark's victory at Bennington in August 1777 set the stage for America's great triumph at the Battle of Saratoga, which turned the tide of the war in America's favor.
Years later, two old and ill to attend a reunion of Bennington soldiers.
Stark sent a toast to the reunions organizers, using words we know so well today.
Live free or die.
Death is not the greatest of evils.
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Granite State History Minute is a local public television program presented by NHPBS