This image is the cover for the book Mount Washington Cog Railway: Climbing the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Transportation

Mount Washington Cog Railway: Climbing the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Transportation

The surpsing story of the Cog Railway on Mount Washington, and how one eccentric man's dream paved the way.


On July 3, 1869, the three-and-one-third-mile track leading to the summit of picturesque Mount Washington opened for public use. Once, only those daring enough to scale the 6,288 feet could enjoy the splendor of the scenery, but now everyone could journey to the summit using the invention of retired businessman Sylvester Marsh, who dreamed of this mountainous mode of transportation. Created at the height of the age of rail, the Cog Railway continues to chug up the mountain and into the hearts of tourists each year. Local historian Bruce D. Heald ties the history of its construction together with the grand romance of the railway as they triumphantly converge at the top of Mount Washington.

Bruce D. Heald

Dr. Bruce Heald is an adjunct professor of American military history at Plymouth State University and a fellow in the International Biographical Association. He is the recipient of the Gold Medal of Honor for literary achievement from the American Biographical Institute. Dr. Heald has written several books on the history of New Hampshire.

The History Press