Prospect Mountain (Warren County, New York) facts for kids
Prospect Mountain is a mountain located in the town of Lake George in Warren County, New York. You can reach the top by driving on a special road called the Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway. This road is maintained by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. From the summit, which is about 5.88 miles (9.46 km) long, you can see amazing views for about 100 miles (160 km)!
History of Prospect Mountain
The Old Incline Railway
A long time ago, people couldn't drive up Prospect Mountain. Instead, they used a special train called an incline railway! This railway started being built in January 1895. It cost a lot of money, about $120,000, which was a huge amount back then. The railway opened just six months later, on June 15, 1895. At the top, there was a house where people could dance and eat.
However, the railway didn't make enough money, so it stopped running in 1903. The land was later bought and given to New York State. If you hike on the mountain today, part of the trail follows where the old railway used to be!
Building the Highway
In 1932, the building at the top of the mountain burned down. It was replaced by a steel fire tower. For many years, people thought about what to do with the state-owned land. In 1954, New York Governor Tom Dewey signed a law to build a highway up the mountain.
Twelve years later, in 1966, then-Governor Nelson Rockefeller made money available for the highway project. The Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway finally opened in 1969. It was dedicated to war veterans. This highway lets people easily reach the summit, which is 2,021 feet (616 m) high. From there, you can still enjoy those incredible 100-mile (160 km) views!
Gallery
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Prospect Mt. first overlook
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Prospect Mt. second overlook
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Prospect Mt. summit overlook
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Prospect Mt. summit large overview
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Prospect Mt. Lake George detail
