The Old Man In The Mountain In New Hampshire

The Old Man of the Mountain, also known as the Great Stone Face, was a natural rock formation on Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch, New Hampshire. This iconic granite profile, resembling the face of an old man, held a profound place in the hearts and minds of New Hampshirites and Americans alike, symbolizing the state's rugged individualism, resilience, and the enduring power of nature. Its unexpected collapse in 2003 left a void in the state's cultural landscape, prompting ongoing efforts to preserve its memory and legacy.

The Legend and Discovery

While the exact date of the Old Man's discovery remains debated, it's generally believed to have been first observed in 1805. Two surveying teams, one from Franconia and the other from Lincoln, were working in the area. Legend has it that Francis Whitcomb and Luke Brooks, part of the Franconia team, stumbled upon the remarkable profile while measuring land. The profile, formed by a series of five granite ledges, stood approximately 1,200 feet above Profile Lake and was about 40 feet high and 25 feet wide.

Immediately, the Old Man of the Mountain captured the imagination of the public. Its striking resemblance to a human face, combined with its imposing presence on the mountainside, made it an instant landmark. It quickly became a symbol of New Hampshire, representing the state's natural beauty and the indomitable spirit of its people.

A Symbol of New Hampshire

The Old Man of the Mountain wasn't just a rock formation; it was deeply ingrained in the identity of New Hampshire.

• State Emblem: In 1945, the New Hampshire legislature officially adopted the Old Man of the Mountain as the state's emblem, solidifying its place as a symbol of pride and heritage.
• Tourism: The profile became a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across the country and the world. People flocked to Franconia Notch to witness the natural wonder and capture its image.
• Cultural Significance: The Old Man appeared on state license plates, highway signs, and countless souvenirs. Its image was used to promote the state's tourism industry and to represent New Hampshire in national and international forums.

The Old Man symbolized the rugged independence and enduring strength of the people of New Hampshire. It was a reminder of the state's natural beauty and its rich history. Its stoic face seemed to watch over the state, embodying the values of resilience, determination, and self-reliance.

The Imminent Demise and the Engineering Challenges

Despite its imposing appearance, the Old Man of the Mountain was a fragile formation. The five granite ledges that formed the profile were held together by gravity and the forces of nature. Over time, the ledges were susceptible to weathering, erosion, and the effects of freeze-thaw cycles. The harsh New Hampshire winters, with their extreme temperatures and heavy snowfall, put immense stress on the formation.

Recognizing the inherent instability of the Old Man, concerned citizens and state officials began efforts to preserve the landmark as early as the 1920s. Various methods were employed to stabilize the ledges, including:

• Turnbuckles and Cables: In the 1920s, a system of turnbuckles and cables was installed to tighten the ledges and prevent them from shifting.
• Concrete Patching: Cracks and fissures in the granite were filled with concrete to prevent water from seeping in and accelerating erosion.
• Drainage Systems: Drainage systems were installed to divert water away from the ledges and reduce the effects of freeze-thaw cycles.

These efforts, while well-intentioned, were ultimately a temporary fix. The forces of nature proved too strong to overcome in the long run. The engineering challenges were immense, given the Old Man's location on a steep mountainside and the delicate balance of the rock formation. Any major intervention risked further destabilizing the profile.

The Day the Old Man Fell

On May 3, 2003, the inevitable occurred. Following a period of heavy rain and freeze-thaw cycles, the Old Man of the Mountain collapsed. The news of the collapse sent shockwaves across New Hampshire and the nation. People mourned the loss of a beloved symbol and a cherished landmark.

The collapse was a stark reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of even the most imposing structures. It also sparked a renewed sense of appreciation for the Old Man and its significance in the state's history and culture.

The Legacy and Remembrance

Despite its physical absence, the Old Man of the Mountain continues to hold a prominent place in the hearts and minds of New Hampshirites. Its legacy lives on through various memorials, educational programs, and ongoing efforts to preserve its memory.

• Old Man of the Mountain Memorial Site: The site where the Old Man once stood has been transformed into a memorial park. Visitors can view the profile from Profile Lake and learn about the history and significance of the landmark.
• Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund: The Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund was established to support educational programs and preservation efforts related to the Old Man.
• "Profiling the Old Man" Exhibit: The New Hampshire Historical Society has a permanent exhibit dedicated to the Old Man of the Mountain, featuring photographs, artifacts, and historical documents.

The spirit of the Old Man of the Mountain endures as a symbol of New Hampshire's resilience, independence, and connection to its natural heritage. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our environment and cherishing the symbols that define our identity.

The Search for a "New" Old Man: The Efforts After the Fall

The loss of the Old Man of the Mountain triggered a wave of emotions, ranging from sadness and nostalgia to a determination to keep its memory alive. This determination manifested in various initiatives, including a public competition to design a fitting memorial.

Several proposals were submitted, each aiming to capture the essence of the Old Man in a new form. Some designs focused on recreating the profile using modern materials, while others proposed abstract representations that evoked the spirit of the landmark.

Ultimately, a design featuring a series of steel "profilers" was selected. These profilers, when viewed from a specific vantage point, create an optical illusion of the Old Man's profile. The design was intended to be a subtle and respectful tribute to the fallen landmark, allowing visitors to experience the iconic profile in a new and innovative way.

The installation of the profilers was a complex undertaking, requiring careful planning and execution. The location had to be precise to ensure that the profile appeared correctly, and the structures had to be strong enough to withstand the harsh weather conditions of the mountainside.

While the profilers have been met with mixed reactions, they serve as a tangible reminder of the Old Man and its enduring legacy. They offer visitors a chance to connect with the landmark in a unique way and to reflect on its significance in New Hampshire's history and culture.

The Geological Formation of the Old Man

The geological history of the Old Man of the Mountain is a fascinating tale of tectonic forces, erosion, and time. The granite that formed the profile is part of the White Mountain batholith, a large body of igneous rock that formed deep beneath the Earth's surface during the Jurassic period, approximately 175 million years ago.

Over millions of years, the overlying layers of rock were eroded away, exposing the granite batholith. The forces of weathering and erosion then sculpted the granite into the unique shapes that we see today.

The specific process that formed the Old Man's profile is thought to have involved a combination of factors:

• Differential Weathering: The granite in the area is not uniform in composition. Some sections are more resistant to weathering than others. This differential weathering led to the formation of ledges and overhangs.
• Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Water that seeps into cracks in the granite expands when it freezes, exerting pressure on the rock. Over time, this process can widen the cracks and cause pieces of rock to break off.
• Glacial Activity: During the Ice Age, glaciers carved out the landscape, further shaping the mountains and valleys. The glaciers may have played a role in eroding the granite and creating the initial shape of the Old Man's profile.

The Old Man of the Mountain was a testament to the power of geological processes and the immense timescales over which they operate. Its formation was a slow and gradual process, shaped by millions of years of erosion, weathering, and tectonic activity.

The Old Man in Literature and Art

The Old Man of the Mountain's iconic status extended beyond its geological significance, permeating into the realms of literature and art. Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story, "The Great Stone Face," published in 1850, cemented the Old Man's place in American literary history.

Hawthorne's story tells the tale of Ernest, a young man who is inspired by the Great Stone Face and spends his life searching for a person who embodies its noble and wise features. Through Ernest's journey, Hawthorne explores themes of idealism, virtue, and the importance of living up to one's potential.

The story resonated deeply with readers and helped to solidify the Old Man's image as a symbol of moral strength and integrity. It also contributed to the growing popularity of the landmark as a tourist destination.

Beyond literature, the Old Man of the Mountain has been a popular subject for artists, photographers, and filmmakers. Its image has appeared in countless paintings, drawings, photographs, and films, capturing its majestic beauty and its symbolic significance.

The Old Man's enduring presence in literature and art has helped to keep its memory alive and to ensure that it continues to inspire generations to come.

Conservation Efforts and Lessons Learned

The story of the Old Man of the Mountain offers valuable lessons about the challenges of preserving natural landmarks and the importance of sustainable tourism.

The efforts to conserve the Old Man, while ultimately unsuccessful, provide insights into the complexities of managing natural resources. The engineers and scientists who worked on the project faced numerous challenges, including:

• Limited Technology: The technology available in the early 20th century was not as advanced as it is today. This limited the options for stabilizing the Old Man.
• Environmental Concerns: Any intervention risked further destabilizing the rock formation or harming the surrounding environment.
• Public Opinion: There was a wide range of opinions on how best to preserve the Old Man, making it difficult to reach a consensus on the best course of action.

The experience of the Old Man highlights the need for a holistic approach to conservation that considers both the natural environment and the human impact on it. It also underscores the importance of using sustainable practices to minimize the damage caused by tourism and development.

The Enduring Symbolism of the Old Man

Even in its absence, the Old Man of the Mountain continues to resonate as a powerful symbol. It represents:

• Resilience: The Old Man stood for centuries, weathering storms and enduring the forces of nature. Its resilience reflects the spirit of the people of New Hampshire.
• Independence: The Old Man was a symbol of independence and self-reliance, qualities that are highly valued in New Hampshire.
• Natural Beauty: The Old Man was a reminder of the natural beauty of New Hampshire and the importance of preserving our environment.
• Loss and Memory: Its collapse serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of things and the importance of cherishing our memories.

FAQ: The Old Man of the Mountain

• What was the Old Man of the Mountain? A natural rock formation resembling a human face on Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire.
• When did it collapse? May 3, 2003.
• Why was it important? It was the state emblem of New Hampshire and a symbol of its rugged individualism and natural beauty.
• What is being done to remember it? A memorial site exists, along with educational programs and a legacy fund.
• Can you still see the Old Man? Not in its original form, but optical illusion "profilers" create the image from a specific vantage point.

Conclusion

The Old Man of the Mountain was more than just a rock formation; it was a symbol of New Hampshire's identity, a testament to the power of nature, and an inspiration to generations. Its collapse was a loss that was felt deeply, but its legacy lives on. Through memorials, educational programs, and the enduring power of its symbolism, the Old Man continues to remind us of the importance of resilience, independence, and the enduring connection between humanity and the natural world. The story of the Old Man of the Mountain is a reminder that even in loss, there is an opportunity for remembrance, reflection, and a renewed appreciation for the things that truly matter.