James Everell Henry (April 21, 1831 – April 18, 1912) – James E. Henry died at his home on April 18, 1912. He was a 19th and 20th-century timber baron best known for his logging practices and building of the Zealand Valley and East Branch & Lincoln Railroads in the New Hampshire White Mountains. He forever changed the landscape of the White Mountains with his "cut it all" logging practices.

More than likely, he will always be remembered as a timber baron, but he unknowingly made a contribution to the White Mountain National Forest that benefits us today. The old railroad grade of the East Branch & Lincoln Railroad has given outdoors enthusiasts access to some of the most remote regions of New England.

If Henry didn't push his logging operations into the Pemigewasset Wilderness, it seems possible no established trails would exist today in this wilderness; it's often overlooked that many of the trails in the Pemigewasset Wilderness follow or utilize sections of the old East Branch & Lincoln railroad grade.

So the next time you are hiking along a trail in the Pemigewasset Wilderness, take a moment to realize you are more than likely following one of James E. Henry's railroad beds. You can read more about J.E. Henry's East Branch & Lincoln Railroad here. 

Happy image making..

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Erin Paul Donovan

Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC

Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.