Logging Era Artifacts, White Mountains – Today’s blog article focuses on an image keyword search term. I chose the search term “logging era artifacts”, and searched my image archive to see what imagery I have available that represents the New Hampshire White Mountains logging era. The below commentary and imagery showcases this search term.
A major portion of the White Mountains history evolves around the late 19th and early 20th-century logging era, and pretty much in every corner of the White Mountains artifacts from the logging era can be found. And while some have no interest in the history of the White Mountains we all have to appreciate what came out of the logging era, the Weeks Act.
It is often overlooked that James E Henry, known for his East Branch & Lincoln Railroad, also built the Zealand Valley Railroad (1886-1897) through Zealand Notch which is an amazing accomplishment considering the terrain. Though not a traditional artifact, to some extent, I consider railroad beds to be artifacts. If you are hiking the Appalachian Trail this year, you will be hiking the above section of the Zealand Valley Railroad.
Back in the early days of logging, chainsaws were not used, and the cutting of timber was done with axes and two-man crosscut saws like the above one. This particular crosscut saw (an artifact) represents the Gordon Pond Railroad, which was in operation from 1907-1916. A hundred years ago it was work to cut down a tree.
Every area of the White Mountains that was logged had logging camps. These camps were located along the logging railroads and were scattered throughout the valleys. Today, artifacts are the only indication that some logging camps ever existed. At some point in time, artifacts from the logging era will disappear into the earth. It is going to take many years for this to happen but it is going to happen.
Can you imagine how different the landscape of the White Mountains would be today if the logging era didn’t happen? There would be nothing for us to see at the abandoned village of Livermore (above). I think the White Mountains would be a little boring without the historic logging artifacts.
To license any of the above images for usage in publications, click on the image. And you can view more images of logging era artifacts here.
Happy image making..
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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.