Crawford Depot (Carroll, New Hampshire) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Crawford Depot
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The restored depot in 2012
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | at the top of Crawford Notch, US 302, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1891 |
| Architect | Maine Central Railroad |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 82001672 |
| Added to NRHP | April 29, 1982 |
The Crawford Depot, also known as the Maine Central Passenger Railway Station, is a very old train station. It is located at the top of Crawford Notch in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. This building was finished in 1891.
It shows how important trains were for bringing tourists to this beautiful area. The depot is a great example of Queen Anne style architecture. Today, it is a visitor center run by the Appalachian Mountain Club. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It is also where the "Notch Train" service of the Conway Scenic Railroad usually ends its journey.
Contents
What is the Crawford Depot Like?
The Crawford Depot is found just north of the highest point of Crawford Notch. This notch is a valley carved by glaciers in New Hampshire's White Mountains. The Saco River starts nearby and flows south through this valley.
The depot is next to United States Route 302 on its east side. The old train tracks are on its west side. The Appalachian Mountain Club's Highland Center is just a short distance north.
Building Design and Features
The depot is a small, rectangular building. It is made of wood and has only one floor. The roof is shaped like a hip roof, which means all sides slope downwards to the walls.
- The main roof has a fancy edge with carved wooden decorations.
- A lower roof sticks out around the building. This gives shelter to people outside.
- This lower roof is held up by large, strong brackets.
- It also has a decorative band of molding along its edge.
- A cool, eight-sided tower sticks out from one corner of the building.
- The outside walls are covered with different types of wooden siding and shingles.
- The main door is on the side facing the train tracks.
- Inside, the building has wooden walls and a stone fireplace.
Why is the Crawford Depot Important?
The train line through Crawford Notch was finished in 1875. This changed the local area a lot. Many tourists came to see the beautiful scenery. Big hotels were built at the top of the notch for these visitors.
Most of these old hotels are gone now. They either burned down or were taken apart. The famous Mount Washington Hotel is the only one that still stands. The Appalachian Mountain Club's Highland Center is where the old Crawford House hotel used to be. That hotel burned down in 1977.
The Depot's History
The Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad built the original train line. The Maine Central Railroad took over this line in 1888. They then built the Crawford Depot in 1891.
This station was one of the most detailed and beautiful ones on the railroad's Mountain Division. This was because of its important location. Other nearby stations also had some fancy features, but they were not as grand.
Today, the Crawford Depot is a visitor center. It also has a shop run by the Appalachian Mountain Club. South of the depot, you can find the platform for the Conway Scenic Railroad.
