Presidential Mountain Naming Origins Explored
In the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains, a line of majestic peaks stand tall and proud, each named after influential figures in American history. Known as the Presidential Range, these peaks are a testament to the nation's leaders and their enduring legacy.
The Presidential Range, encompassing thirteen formidable mountains, is the highest in the White Mountains. Nine of these peaks exceed 4,000 feet in elevation, making them a challenge even for seasoned mountaineers. The range's name honours U.S. presidents, a tradition that reflects the historical and cultural significance attached to these national leaders.
The naming of these peaks follows a simple sequence: the tallest peak is named after the first president, the next tallest after the second president, and so on. Mount Washington, the highest peak in the range and the Northeastern U.S., was the first to be named. While the exact date and occasion of the naming remain unknown, it is generally accepted that Reverend Manasseh Cutler, who led an expedition to the peak in 1784, was the one who christened it.
Following Mount Washington, the peaks were named after presidents in chronological order: Mount Jefferson, Mount Monroe, Mount Adams, Mount Madison, Mount Jefferson (a second time, as it was originally named for Thomas Jefferson but later renamed for the third president, James Madison), Mount Webster (after Daniel Webster), Mount Clay (after Henry Clay), Mount Jackson (after Charles Thomas Jackson), and Mount Pierce (originally Mount Clinton, but renamed Mount Pierce in 1913).
The peaks named after presidents are not the only ones in the Presidential Range. Mount Franklin and Mount Pleasant, the two remaining peaks, were named after John Adams and Thomas Jefferson's son, John Quincy Adams, respectively, when the party ran out of presidents. Mount Pleasant was later renamed Mount Eisenhower by a vote of the New Hampshire legislature in 1969.
The naming of these peaks is part of a broader tradition in the U.S., where geographical features are often named for prominent historical figures to commemorate their contributions. In the White Mountains, these names help to highlight the significance of the country’s leaders while also providing a distinctive identity to the peaks in this rugged New England area.
Throughout the years, many have ventured into the White Mountains to conquer these peaks. Among them was Ethan A. Crawford, known as the "Mountain Giant". He guided the party that named the rest of the Presidential Peaks in a single day in 1820. The Crawford family, who owned and operated an inn near the heart of Crawford Notch, were also instrumental in the early tourism of the White Mountains, leading the first substantial wave of tourists up Mount Washington.
The Presidential Range, with its rich history and stunning beauty, is one of the most iconic mountain ranges in the United States. Whether you're an avid mountaineer or simply a lover of the great outdoors, the Presidential Peaks offer a challenge and a connection to the past that few other places can match.
The Presidential Range, with its thirteen peaks, honors U.S. presidents and is a challenge even for seasoned mountaineers. The naming of these peaks follows a chronological sequence, with each peak named after a president in the order they served. Following Mount Washington, the peaks were named after presidents in chronological order until the party ran out of presidents, and the remaining two peaks were named after John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams.
