Fort Towson

The Uncanoonuc Mountains are two small mountain peaks in Goffstown, New Hampshire, United States. The north peak, the highest point in Goffstown, has an elevation of 1,324 feet (404 m) above sea level, and the south peak rises to 1,321 feet (403 m).[1]

The name may be derived from the Massachusett language term kuncannowet (Massachusett for 'breast').[2][3]

The area was developed in the early 1900s as a resort with a hotel and incline railway.[4] The mountains are still a good spot for hiking, snowshoeing, and scenic views of the nearby skyline of Manchester, as well as Mount Monadnock, Mount Kearsarge, and even, on a clear day, the faint skyline of Boston.

They were the site of a small ski operation in the 1930s and 1940s, served by the incline railway that went up the south peak. With three main trails from top to bottom, it was a popular ski destination until 1941, when the railway was damaged by a fire.[5] The incline railway has since been converted to a hiking trail.[6]

A new development was planned in the 1960s for the north peak, commencing in 1963. Chairlift and snow making equipment was ordered, several trails were cleared, but the project was halted by the town of Goffstown because of environmental concerns. In response to the failure, the city of Manchester opened its own area, McIntyre, in 1971.[7]

The south peak contains transmitting facilities for many of the broadcast stations, including WMUR-TV, serving the Manchester area.[8]

The Uncanoonuc Incline Railway in 1914

References

  1. ^ U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute topographic map series, Pinardville quadrangle.
  2. ^ Hamlin, George V. (1913), The Uncanoonuc Mountains: Geology, Scenery, Casino, Railroad, and Views, Manchester, New Hampshire: Ruemely Press, p. 6, hdl:2027/loc.ark:/13960/t9862ns6n Alt URL
  3. ^ Manchester Historic Association (1899), Manchester Historic Association Collections, v.1 1896-1899, Manchester, New Hampshire: J. B. Clarke Company, p. 184, hdl:2027/mdp.39015039511558 Alt URL
  4. ^ Uncanoonuc Incline Railway, "Souvenir Views on and about Uncanoonuc Mountain" (1909). The brochure promoted the mountain as a place to build a summer cottage, stay at the hotel or gamble at the casino. There was also a trolley line.
  5. ^ Davis, Jeremy. "NELSAP: Uncanoonuc Mountain". New England Lost Ski Areas Project. NELSAP. Retrieved 19 March 2015.
  6. ^ "Goffstown, NH Town Report". University of New Hampshire. 1988. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  7. ^ "New England Ski History: Mt. Uncanoonuc Cancelled Development". New England Ski History. New England Ski History.com. Retrieved 19 March 2015.
  8. ^ "ASR Application A0040315". wireless2.fcc.gov. Retrieved 2023-03-21.

External links

Media related to Uncanoonuc Mountains at Wikimedia Commons