Printing Independence in Exeter
6/3/2026 | 1mVideo has Closed Captions
New Hampshire’s first printed Declaration came from a reluctant loyalist printer.
The first printed copy of the Declaration of Independence in New Hampshire came from an English-built press operated by a reluctant loyalist. This ironic chapter of Revolutionary history unfolded in Exeter, then the state capital.
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Granite State History Minute is a local public television program presented by NHPBS
Printing Independence in Exeter
6/3/2026 | 1mVideo has Closed Captions
The first printed copy of the Declaration of Independence in New Hampshire came from an English-built press operated by a reluctant loyalist. This ironic chapter of Revolutionary history unfolded in Exeter, then the state capital.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipIt took nearly two weeks for the Declaration of Independence to make its way to the state of New Hampshire in 1776.
When it finally arrived on July 16th, the local printer in Exeter, which was the state capital at the time, made a copy and printed it using this printing press, now located at the Exeter Historical Society.
The printer's name was Robert Luist Foule, and he was no fan of American independence.
In early 1777, he was arrested on suspicion of forging New Hampshire currency.
While awaiting trial, he escaped from the local jail and made his way to the British lines.
His more trustworthy brother Zachariah took over the printing business in Exeter.
The press was built in England, so it's a funny twist of fate that an English press was used to print the first copy of the Declaration of Independence in New Hampshire by a British loyalist.
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Granite State History Minute is a local public television program presented by NHPBS