June History, White Mountains – Many photographers love visiting the New Hampshire White Mountains during June. This time of year, the subject matter is endless, and photographers can shoot from sunrise to sunset. And with Covid restrictions being eased, the region will be filled with busy photographers this month. If there is one drawback, it’s the bugs. They can be awful this time of year!
Throughout the history of the White Mountains, there is not one significant historical event that dominates the month of June. However, many smaller events happened. A railroad trestle was completed, a turnpike opened for business, thousands of acres were granted, and a one of a kind railroad was incorporated. Included here are a few interesting June events.
The Jefferson Turnpike was incorporated by the state of New Hampshire in 1804, and it opened in June 1811. This short-lived toll road traveled from the 10th New Hampshire Turnpike (today’s Route 302) to Jefferson and Lancaster. Today, this route is the seasonal road, Cherry Mountain Road.
Thousands of acres were granted to individuals during the month of June. One of the more notable grants is Pinkham’s Grant, which was granted to Daniel Pinkham on June 16, 1824. Daniel Pinkham completed the first road through Pinkham Notch in 1836. Another grant of interest happened on June 22, 1834, when land commissioner James Willey granted Crawford’s Purchase to Thomas Abbott, Nathaniel Abbott, and Ethan Allen Crawford. The Crawfords played a significant role in early White Mountains tourism.
Other land grants include Erving’s Grant, which was granted to William Erving on June 2, 1775. The Second College Grant was granted on June 18, 1807, to Dartmouth College. And Cutt’s Grant was granted on June 16, 1810, to Thomas Cutt.
The scenic Mount Washington Cog Railway was incorporated on June 25, 1858. Opened in 1869, the railway is 3 miles long, and it travels from Marshfield Station to the summit of Mount Washington. Tourists from across the world come to New Hampshire to ride this scenic railroad.
Two hotels and a sawmill fell victim to fire during June. The second Summit House on Mount Washington burned down on June 18, 1908. Matson Manufacturing Company’s Lost River mill burned down on June 29, 1913. And the second Flume House in Franconia Notch was destroyed by fire on June 27, 1918.
On June 24, 1948, a landslide on the western side of Mount Lafayette covered a large portion of Route 3 in Franconia Notch. Route 3 was closed for days while the debris was cleared. This landslide slid again in 1959. With the constant severe weather we have been having in the 21st century, it may be only a matter of time before another landslide happens in Franconia Notch.
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Happy image making..
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Bibliography:
Donovan, Erin Paul. “Scenic Backroads, White Mountains.” ScenicNH Photography LLC, 01 Sept 2016, https://www.scenicnh.com/blog/2016/09/new-hampshire-backroads/.
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.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.