thumb|left|The historical coat of arms of New Hampshire, from 1876 Various Algonquian-speaking Abenaki tribes, largely divided between the Androscoggin, Cowasuck and Pennacook nations, inhabited the area before European colonization. Despite the similar language, they had a very different culture and religion from other Algonquian peoples. Indigenous people lived near Keene, New Hampshire 12,000 years ago, according to 2009 archaeological digs, and the Abenaki were present in New Hampshire in pre-colonial times.
thumb|left|The historical coat of arms of New Hampshire from 1876 Various Algonquian-speak,ing Abenaki tribes, largely divided between the Androscoggin, Cowasuck and Pennacook nations, inhabited the area before European coloniz,ation. Despite the similar language, they had a very different culture and religion from other Algonquian peoples. Indigenous people ,lived near Keene New Hampshire 12000 years ago, according to 2009 archaeological digs, and the Abenaki were present in New Hampshire in pre-colonial times.