Live Free or Die: Another Historical First for New Hampshire and Bitcoin
From muskets to digital wallets, New Hampshire has consistently pioneered ways to defend and expand freedom.
Earlier this week, Arizona fumbled what could have been a landmark moment. Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed Arizona’s proposed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve bill, dismissing Bitcoin as “untested” and “too risky” for public funds. For Arizona’s many freedom-minded citizens, it was a bitter disappointment.
But as Arizona stumbled, New Hampshire soared.
On May 6, 2025, New Hampshire once again made history—becoming the first U.S. state to enshrine a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve into law. The move wasn’t just financially groundbreaking; it was symbolically perfect. Signed on a date celebrated in numerology as a time for building connections, practicing patience, and seeking mutual understanding, the legislation landed on a day that naturally favored diplomacy, empathy, and forward-thinking collaboration. The stars—and the Bitcoin blocks—aligned.
More than a policy win, this was a cultural triumph, perfectly aligned with the spirit of America and the vision of Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto: decentralization, sovereignty, and the preservation of freedom.
Let’s unpack why this moment matters—not only for New Hampshire, but for the entire country—and why it’s the latest chapter in a long tradition of New Hampshire blazing trails for the rest of the nation.
The Origins of “Live Free or Die”
New Hampshire’s motto, “Live Free or Die,” was written by Revolutionary War hero General John Stark on July 31, 1809. Too ill to attend a reunion of his troops, Stark sent a toast that would echo through history:
“Live free or die; Death is not the worst of evils.”
The words captured both the man's fierce independence and the spirit of the American Revolution. While Patrick Henry famously declared, “Give me liberty or give me death,” it was Stark’s version that became uniquely New Hampshire.
Officially adopted as the state motto in 1945 and emblazoned on license plates starting in 1971, “Live Free or Die” remains a rallying cry for liberty and resilience.
From Revolution to Innovation: New Hampshire’s History of Firsts
New Hampshire has never been content to follow—it leads.
Here’s a timeline of major “firsts” that show how this small state has repeatedly shaped America’s political, social, and now financial trajectory:
Why the Bitcoin Reserve Matters
New Hampshire’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve law authorizes the state treasurer to allocate up to 5% of reserves into Bitcoin and other digital assets with market caps above $500 billion. Importantly, it includes:
Strict custodial requirements using U.S.-regulated institutions.
A 5% cap on total holdings.
Transparent reporting and audits to maintain public trust.
This framework wasn’t born from recklessness—it was crafted with measured risk and forward-looking governance.
It’s also worth noting that May 6, 2025—the day Governor Kelly Ayotte signed the New Hampshire Bitcoin Strategic Reserve bill (HB 302) into law —holds special numerological significance.
According to numerologists, May 6 is a day best for building connections, practicing patience, and seeking mutual understanding.
It’s a day to let diplomacy and empathy guide decisions—a cosmic backdrop that beautifully framed New Hampshire’s latest leap into financial innovation.
Why Arizona’s Fumble Makes New Hampshire’s Play Even Bigger
Arizona had every reason to lead:
A strong libertarian current.
A vibrant tech sector.
Vocal Bitcoin advocates.
Yet Governor Hobbs vetoed the bill, citing outdated fears. By contrast, New Hampshire seized its opportunity, building a regulatory model that other states can follow.
As a result:
Texas (with its booming mining sector),
Wyoming (already a crypto legal pioneer) and dozens more are now likely to accelerate their own digital asset strategies.
New Hampshire has effectively lit the torch.
Bitcoin and the Spirit of Satoshi
Bitcoin was created in 2009 as a response to centralized financial failures. Its genesis block famously included the headline: “The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks.”
At its core, Bitcoin embodies:
Decentralization
Monetary sovereignty
Hard-capped supply (21 million coins)
Peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries
New Hampshire’s embrace of Bitcoin isn’t just a financial hedge; it’s a philosophical alignment. By adding Bitcoin to its reserves, the state:
Diversifies away from inflationary fiat.
Sends a pro-innovation signal to businesses and talent.
Safeguards its treasury against potential systemic shocks.
Satoshi couldn’t have scripted it better.
The Economic Case for a Bitcoin Reserve
Critics argue that Bitcoin’s volatility makes it a poor fit for public funds. But the economic case is increasingly compelling:
Diversification: Adding Bitcoin reduces the risk of fiat-only portfolios.
Sovereign hedge: Bitcoin operates outside the central banking system, making it resilient to policy shifts or geopolitical disruptions.
Future-proofing: As digital natives come of age, Bitcoin adoption is set to rise, positioning the state ahead of the curve.
Innovation magnet: Pro-Bitcoin policies attract capital, entrepreneurs, and next-generation businesses.
In short: the risk isn’t adding Bitcoin; it’s ignoring it. Or, said my normal way, “The Real Risk Is Doing Nothing!”
A Culture and Currency of Freedom
New Hampshire’s “Live Free or Die” ethos resonates deeply with Bitcoin’s DNA:
Both reject centralized control.
Both empower individuals.
Both prioritize freedom over comfort.
By passing the Bitcoin reserve law, New Hampshire reaffirmed that freedom is not a static ideal—it’s a living practice, updated for the 21st century.
A Message to Arizona—and the Rest of America
Arizona’s veto wasn’t the final word. If anything, it sets the stage for a broader national debate. As states grapple with debt, inflation, and eroding trust in federal institutions, Bitcoin offers a lifeline—and New Hampshire just showed how to grab it.
Here’s the key takeaway:
Bitcoin is not a partisan issue.
Bitcoin is not a tech fad.
Bitcoin is a new chapter in monetary sovereignty.
For Arizona, Texas, Wyoming, and beyond, the question isn’t if you’ll follow—it’s how fast you’ll catch up.
Final Reflection: Freedom Is an Ongoing Project
From raiding British forts to writing the first state constitution, from hosting the nation’s first presidential primary to now pioneering digital asset policy, New Hampshire has always been first to leap.
The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve law is not just a clever fiscal policy—it’s a statement of identity. It says:
We are not afraid to challenge the status quo.
We believe in tools that protect our freedom.
We understand that true leadership is both bold and prudent.
On May 6, 2025—Live Free or Die Day— New Hampshire reminded us all that the spirit of the Revolution lives on, not in the past, but in the choices we make for the future.
Yours in freedom and wealth,
~Chris J Snook
GET THE MERCH! LIMITED EDITION ONLY $21
Sources
[1] Live Free or Die - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_Free_or_Die
[2] “Live Free or Die” | The Story of the New Hampshire Motto
https://newengland.com/yankee/history/live-free-or-die-new-hampshire-motto/
[3] The story behind New Hampshire's 'Live Free or Die' motto
https://granitepostnews.com/2024/07/31/the-story-behind-new-hampshires-live-free-or-die-motto/
[4] History of New Hampshire - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_New_Hampshire
[5] New Hampshire Becomes First State To Pass Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill Into Law
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/news/new-hampshire-becomes-first-state-to-pass-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-bill-into-law
[6] New Hampshire first US state to pass a 'Strategic Bitcoin Reserve' bill
https://www.theblock.co/post/353313/new-hampshire-first-us-state-to-pass-a-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-bill
[7] New Hampshire governor signs crypto reserve bill into law
https://cointelegraph.com/news/new-hampshire-bitcoin-reserve-law
[8] New Hampshire just became the first state to establish a crypto reserve
https://www.businessinsider.com/bitcoin-reserve-new-hampshire-crypto-cryptocurrency-trump-btc-2025-5
[9] New Hampshire approves first state-level Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
https://cryptoslate.com/new-hampshire-approves-first-state-level-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-law/
[10] New Hampshire passes first bill to establish Bitcoin reserve
https://cryptobriefing.com/new-hampshire-bitcoin-reserve-fund/
[11] First State Bitcoin Reserve Law Passed—NH Clears Treasury to Buy Crypto
https://news.bitcoin.com/first-state-bitcoin-reserve-law-passed-nh-clears-treasury-to-buy-crypto/