1896 Map of Mt. Washington

About this map

The Presidential Range dominates this landscape, defined by early alpine hospitality and the pioneering Mt Washington Railroad. This era of White Mountain tourism is anchored by famous Victorian-era destinations such as the Fabyan House, Mt Pleasant House, and the Ravine House in Randolph. While hikers utilized the Lowe Path and sought shelter at the AMC Hut, the map also illustrates the massive land grants that shaped the region, including the Thompson & Meserve Purchase and Sargent Purchase. The presence of the Concord and Montreal RR and Boston and Maine RR shows how the rail network brought travelers to these high-altitude resorts and settlements like Jefferson Highland. From the isolated Pond of Safety to the dramatic Ice Gulch, the topography reveals a wilderness being actively organized for recreation and commerce just before the turn of the century.