Stone tower on route 2 in New Hampshire

he is reported to have built this rock tower which he may have called "Carter's tower of foolishness". — Full view of Carter’s Tower

Don’t you just love it when you’re driving along and you look up and somebody has built something that makes you just go Hmmmm? Well, this is one of those things, a stone tower on the side of route 2 which is New Hampshire’s presidential highway. (and no signs or identification to figure out what it is)

In Jefferson New Hampshire, and about halfway between Lancaster and Gorham, you will find yourself in some really pretty countryside. Route 2 is a simple two-lane road that meanders its way south of Mount Waumbek and Jericho Mountain State Park. To the South of Route 2, you have Mt Washington in the White Mountains. So this East/West route takes you between the two areas.

If you use a GPS coördinates are 44°22’17” N 71°24’27” W. If you prefer a map find Lancaster New Hampshire and travel east on Route 2 until you see Route 115. Just East of that on the south side of 2 you will find Carter’s stone tower.

James Richard Carter who back in the late 1800s was a paper company mogul built a vacation estate up in Jefferson New Hampshire (he also built an estate in Jackson New Hampshire).

You might also read this article on finding peak fall colors.

The 1800s was when the rich started to build vacation homes and venues like the Bretton Woods and Mt Washington Hotels for the well-to-do to get away from the city during the hot summers. After finishing the house and grounds he is reported to have built this rock tower which has been called “Carter’s Tower of Foolishness”.

The building that is still standing today has a series of inside stairs to the top of the tower where a panoramic view of the surrounding country can be seen. Apparently, there may have been a practical application for this tower.

A railroad line was nearby and since in those days trains were fired by coal, sparks and fires were a common occurrence along train lines. So the tower may have been for a fire watch to protect the nearby estate.

Next week I’m going to explore right in the neighborhood of Carter’s tower so that you can see so much more is in this area to explore. (two churches, lots of pews, and no waiting). Click this link to check it out…

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Also, it’s only a short drive over to 93 and down to Franconia Notch and by following this link you can explore the wonderful sites in Franconia Notch State Park.

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Have a great fall foliage day!

Jeff Foliage Folger

Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage

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