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1896 Map of Crawford Notch

Name: 1896 Topographic Map of Crawford Notch
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1946
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1946

About this map

Maine Central R. R. tracks wind through the steep mountain passes of the White Mountains, providing a vital transportation corridor through the rugged terrain of the New Hampshire State Forest Reserve. The landscape is defined by massive peaks like Mt. Webster and Mt. Willey, which tower over the Saco River valley and its historic stopping points. Noted establishments like the Crawford House and the Willey House mark the early development of tourism and hospitality in the notch, while the town of Bartlett and the smaller settlement of Livermore show the dual economies of rail travel and local industry.

A network of specialized railroads, including the Lumber R. R. near the Swift River, highlights the intensive timber operations of the late 19th century. These industrial tracks contrast with the natural landmarks of the region, such as the Silver Cascade, Flume Cascade, and Glen Ellis Falls. Numerous brooks, including Avalanche Brook and Nancy Brook, drain the high ridges of the Mont Alban Ridge, feeding into the larger river systems that shaped the valley's settlement patterns.