There is probably not a bumper sticker in the world more ubiquitous than the one that says: “This Car Climbed Mt. Washington.” Pasting that sticker to the back of the car that has made the climb up the 7.6 mile ascent and back down again is certainly a sign of a really fun outing for the driver and passengers of said car. But how much do you really know about Mt. Washington and its amazing mountain road?
Work began on the road in the summer of 1854, and reached its halfway point by the fall of 1856. At this point construction was forced to come to a standstill as money for the project ran out. In 1859 a new company took over the project, which recommenced the following year. On August 8, 1861 the celebration of the opening of the summit took place.
Since that time the use of the road has continued to grow. In 1935 3,100 private cars made the journey, while by 1955 the number more than doubled to 6,600. By the 100th anniversary of the road in 1961 12,800 private cars conquered the winding road to the breathtaking summit. Today’s figure of 45,000 cars per year attests to the beauty and grandeur of this very special tourist site.
Thinking about a visit? Mt. Washington’s famed Auto Road is found in Gorham, New Hampshire, along Route 16. From June 6 to August 30 the road is open from 7:30am to 6:00pm every day, but is always subject to the constantly changing weather. Be sure to check for special hours and events on the Mt. Washington website, such July 11 when there will be a bike race on the Auto Road, or June 28 when the road is completely closed to cars all day.
