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.