All aboard the Mount Washington Cog Railway!

Mount Washington State Park is located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and offers some of the most breathtaking views in all of New England. This is also the home of the Mount Washington Cog Railway, which was the first mountain-climbing cog railway. Read on to learn more about this cool invention and discover Mount Washington is another one of America’s amazing places. And while you’re here, check out today’s jigsaw puzzle, which features that awesome old railway. Choo choo!

A new invention to climb mountains

The Mount Washington Cog Railway was the brainchild of inventor Sylvester Marsh, who first came up with the idea in 1852. He was inspired by his trip to the White Mountains and wanted to find a way for people to safely and easily access the summit of Mount Washington.

After years of planning and overcoming many challenges, including funding issues and environmental concerns, the railway finally opened in 1869. It quickly became a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world to experience this unique mode of transportation.

A one-of-a-kind experience

Riding on the Mount Washington Cog Railway is truly unlike any other train ride you will ever take. The train travels along three miles of track, climbing 3,600 feet to reach the summit of Mount Washington. Along the way, visitors experience some of the steepest tracks in existence and see some of the most beautiful views in New England.

The train moves at a slow pace, allowing passengers to take in the breathtaking scenery along the way. With opportunities to learn about the history of the railway and its impressive engineering feats, this is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Did you know?

Extreme Weather Conditions

Mount Washington is famous for its extreme weather conditions. The summit holds the record for the highest wind speed ever recorded on the surface of the Earth (231 mph in 1934) and has notoriously unpredictable and harsh weather.

Mount Washington State Park has an observatory

Located at the summit, the Mount Washington Observatory conducts important weather research and provides educational programs for visitors. On April 12, 1934, the observatory recorded a wind speed of 231 miles per hour (372 km/h). This remained the highest wind speed ever recorded on the Earth’s surface for over six decades, until it was surpassed by a gust during a typhoon in Australia in 1996¹.

Mount Washington Cog Railway — a unique traction system

Unlike traditional trains that use steel rails and wheels, the Mount Washington Cog Railway uses a unique toothed rack rail and cog system. This allows the train to maintain traction on steep inclines, making it possible to climb the mountain at such a steep grade.

Final thoughts and looking ahead

The Mount Washington Cog Railway became a hit with tourists upon its opening in 1869. It continues to be a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Next week, we’ll be headed to New Jersey and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Did you miss last week’s Friday Morning Post and jigsaw puzzle? If you did, you can use this link to view Uncovering hidden wonders of Valley of Fire State Park. If you want to check out all my posts and puzzles, click here.