NH's Old Man Of The Mountain: Remembering A Legend

How old is a memory? How do you measure the age of an icon etched not just in stone but in the very soul of a state? The enduring allure of the Old Man of the Mountain lies not in its lifespan, but in its timeless presence, a symbol that continues to resonate long after its physical form has vanished.

The truth is, nobody can definitively say how old the Old Man of the Mountain was when it dramatically fell from its perch in 2003. According to official New Hampshire historical records, the first documented sighting by white settlers occurred in 1805. Early road surveyors Francis Whitcomb and Luke Brooks, part of a surveying crew working in the Franconia area, were the first to officially record observing the distinctive profile.

This would suggest that the rock formation was at least 198 years old, if we consider 1805 as the starting point of its documented history. However, geological processes take millennia, so the formation itself was undoubtedly far older, sculpted by ice and weather over countless centuries before human eyes beheld its familiar shape.

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The Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza, dedicated in June 2011, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the fallen icon. The plaza incorporates seven steel profilers that recreate the iconic visage, allowing visitors to once again experience the sensation of the Old Man looking out over Franconia Notch. Hundreds of paver stones, purchased by devoted admirers from across New Hampshire and beyond, pave the plaza, each a small piece of a collective memorial.

The creation of the plaza was overseen by Friends of the Old Man of the Mountain/Franconia Notch, a dedicated committee that evolved from the Old Man of the Mountain Revitalization Task Force. The Legacy Fund, a private 501(c)(3) corporation, with representatives from various state agencies and private nonprofits, continues to safeguard the memory and promote the legacy of the Old Man.

Two decades after New Hampshires famed Old Man of the Mountain crumbled, the state is actively engaged in paying tribute to this granite profile, a symbol deeply entwined with its sense of independence. These tributes include new geological research to understand the formation's history, poetry capturing its spirit, a song celebrating its legacy, and even a scavenger hunt designed to engage a new generation with its story.

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The Old Man of the Mountain was not simply a rock formation; it was an experience. Suspended 1,200 feet above Franconia Notch, the formation consisted of a series of five granite cliff ledges on Cannon Mountain. When viewed from the north, these ledges aligned to create the unmistakable profile of a human face. It was a natural optical illusion, a trick of perspective that captured the imagination and became a symbol of the state's rugged beauty and independent spirit.

Almost immediately after the collapse, a dedicated task force convened to honor and commemorate the Old Man's legacy with a fitting memorial. Their efforts have ensured that, though physically gone, the Old Man of the Mountain would never truly be forgotten. The meticulous planning and heartfelt dedication of this group highlight the profound impact the formation had on the people of New Hampshire and beyond.

Daniel Webster's famous words encapsulate the sentiment of many towards the Old Man of the Mountain. Webster, a New Hampshire native and renowned orator, captured the sense of awe and connection the formation inspired. His words are often quoted when reflecting on the Old Man's significance.

The term "Vetulus de Montanis," sometimes associated with the Old Man of the Mountain in a metaphorical sense, refers to an entirely different historical figure. Vetulus de Montanis was an Arab Muslim missionary who led the Nizari Ismaili state and the order of assassins, a group with no direct connection to the New Hampshire landmark.

The Old Man of the Mountains history is a tale of geological wonder, human discovery, and cultural adoption. Although the natural formation sadly collapsed in 2003, its legacy continues to inspire visitors from around the world. It remains a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of the natural world, and the enduring power of symbols.

The formation was, quite simply, a former rock formation on Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire that bore an uncanny resemblance to a human face. To fully appreciate its significance, one must delve into its history, explore the legends surrounding it, understand the circumstances of its collapse, and examine its enduring cultural impact. It is a story that intertwines geology, history, and human emotion.

Old Man of the Mountain Day, observed annually on May 3rd, marks the anniversary of the formation's collapse. The 20th anniversary was particularly significant, serving as a moment of reflection and recommitment to preserving the Old Man's memory for future generations.

Two of our viewers, while on February vacation in Saint John, happened to pass by a spot called the Windmill. This seemingly unrelated anecdote highlights how the Old Man of the Mountain resonated even with those traveling far from New Hampshire, its image and story reaching across geographical boundaries.

Two decades after New Hampshires famed Old Man of the Mountain crumbled to pieces, the state is steadfast in its commitment to honoring the granite profile that symbolizes its independence. This symbol continues to adorn its license plates, serving as a constant reminder of the state's unique character and heritage. The tributes, as mentioned before, encompass geological research, poetry, song, and a scavenger hunt, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach to preserving its legacy.

Today, visitors can embark on a scenic pathway leading to Profile Lake and the new Old Man of the Mountain Profiler Plaza. This pathway offers a contemplative journey through the landscape that once framed the iconic profile, allowing visitors to connect with the spirit of the Old Man in a tangible way.

Its been 20 years since the Old Man of the Mountain collapsed, a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the impermanence of even the most seemingly enduring natural wonders. Yet, its impact remains undiminished, a testament to the power of symbols and the human capacity for remembrance.

On May 3, 2003, the uncanny stone face that graced New Hampshires license plates, highway signs, and even the state quarter was no more. The collapse marked not just the loss of a geological formation, but the loss of a powerful symbol deeply embedded in the state's identity.

A photograph taken on March 8, 1955, shows New Hampshires famous Old Man of the Mountain in its prime, a majestic presence overlooking Franconia Notch in the White Mountains. Juxtapose this with a photo taken on May 3, 2003, showing the missing portion of the natural formation, and the stark reality of the collapse becomes even more striking.

The story of the Old Man of the Mountain is one of geological formation by glaciers, discovery by early settlers, and its ultimate adoption as a state symbol. To understand its significance, it's important to learn about the forces that shaped it, the people who first recognized its unique form, and the cultural context that elevated it to iconic status.

For those seeking to learn more, there are opportunities to find out what happened to the Old Man and how to visit the museum and memorial dedicated to its memory. These resources provide a deeper understanding of the formation's history, the events leading up to its collapse, and the ongoing efforts to preserve its legacy.

Profile Mountain, the original name, is now more commonly known as Cannon Mountain, a testament to the lasting impact of the Old Man's image on the landscape. The name change reflects the enduring association between the mountain and the iconic profile it once bore.

Historical records, such as a photostat of "The Old Man of the Mountain" in the Floral Wreath and Ladies Monthly Magazine Vol. 3, July 1844, provide glimpses into the early appreciation of the formation's unique beauty. These documents offer valuable insights into how the Old Man was perceived in the 19th century.

The structure near the Old Man, which went by variations of Notch House and Gibbs Lafayette House, served as a focal point for travelers and admirers of the mountain. These establishments provided lodging and hospitality, further contributing to the Old Man's popularity as a tourist attraction.

A sentinel of the notch for eons, the Old Man was a beloved icon of the Granite State. It stood as a silent witness to the passage of time, a symbol of resilience and enduring strength in the face of the ever-changing world.

The profile succumbed to the forces of nature in May of 2003, but the Old Man is commemorated at the Profiler Plaza in Franconia Notch, as well as at small museums in the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway building and at the start of the path to the plaza. These locations offer opportunities to reflect on the Old Man's legacy and connect with its enduring spirit.

On the reverse side of the coin, specifically the New Hampshire state quarter, there is an image of the famous rock formation called the Old Man of the Mountain. This inclusion on the state quarter served as a powerful symbol of the Old Man's importance to the state's identity.

This rock formation was located on Mount Cannon, and its shape resembled an old man looking eastward. This distinctive profile, visible from a distance, captured the imagination and became a defining feature of the New Hampshire landscape.

The formation collapsed in 2003, but it will always be remembered. Its memory lives on in photographs, stories, and the hearts of those who were touched by its presence.

New Hampshire's iconic Old Man of the Mountain fell to the ground on May 3, 2003. This simple statement marks a significant moment in the state's history, a day when a beloved symbol was lost to the forces of nature.

Here's a look back at the rock formation's legacy, a journey through its history, its cultural impact, and the ongoing efforts to preserve its memory.

On May 3rd, 2003, the iconic Old Man of the Mountain collapsed, a day that resonated deeply with the people of New Hampshire and beyond. The event served as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of even the most seemingly permanent landmarks.

Much beloved by New Hampshire residents and tourists alike, the picture of the legendary rock face is prominently featured on the state's license plates, a constant reminder of its enduring presence in the state's collective consciousness.

A photograph of the Old Man of the Mountain is on loan from Greg French to the Museum of the White Mountains, showcasing the ongoing efforts to preserve and share its history with the public.

Franconia Notch was long the residence of the Old Man of the Mountain, a natural granite formation shaped like a man's face that became New Hampshire's most recognizable symbol.

New Hampshire's iconic Old Man of the Mountain, seen in an archive photo taken in October, stands as a testament to the enduring power of symbols and the importance of preserving our natural and cultural heritage.

The plaza includes seven steel profilers that recreate the visage of the Old Man looking over Franconia Notch, offering visitors a chance to reconnect with the iconic profile in a meaningful way.

Old Man of the Mountain Day on May 3rd marks the 20th anniversary of the formation's collapse, a day of remembrance and reflection on the Old Man's enduring legacy.

The mountain figure quickly became a tourist attraction even back in the 1800s, drawing visitors from far and wide to marvel at its unique and awe-inspiring form.

Nathaniel Hawthorne, a well-known author, is believed to have written his short story "The Great Stone Face" in 1850 about the Old Man of the Mountain, further cementing its place in American literature and culture. Hawthorne's story explores themes of identity, idealism, and the search for greatness, all inspired by the iconic rock formation.