Weeks Estate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Weeks State Park |
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View from stone tower on Weeks Estate
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| Location | US 3, Lancaster, New Hampshire, United States |
| Area | 446 acres (180 ha) |
| Elevation | 2,014 feet (614 m) |
| Established | 1941 |
| Administered by | New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation |
| Designation | New Hampshire state park |
| Website | Weeks State Park |
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Weeks Estate
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The Weeks Lodge
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| Area | 2.9 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1912 |
| Architectural style | Bungalow/Craftsman |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001190 |
| Added to NRHP | June 6, 1985 |
The Weeks Estate is a special historic place in Lancaster, New Hampshire. It was built in 1912 for a man named John Wingate Weeks. This beautiful estate sits on top of Prospect Mountain. From here, you can see amazing views of the Connecticut River.
Today, this estate is known as Weeks State Park. It's one of the best-preserved old country estates from the early 1900s. John Wingate Weeks' children gave it to the state. The park offers fun hiking trails and incredible views from a stone tower. There's also a small museum inside the main house.
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Weeks State Park: A Historic New Hampshire Gem
Weeks State Park is a fantastic place to explore history and nature. It's located in New Hampshire, a state known for its beautiful landscapes. The park is a great example of how old estates can become public treasures. It lets everyone enjoy the beauty and history that once belonged to one family.
Exploring Prospect Mountain's Natural Beauty
The park covers about 420 acres of land. It's located south of Lancaster's town center, right next to Route 3. The park includes all of Prospect Mountain. This mountain is about 2,037 feet above sea level. It's the highest point on a small ridge that stretches east from the Connecticut River.
Most of the park is covered in woods. There are also special spots along Route 3 where you can pull over and enjoy the scenery. On the western side of the mountain, there's a small ski area called Mount Prospect Ski Tow. It operates sometimes for winter fun.
What You Can See at the Park
A narrow road, about 2 miles long, leads from Route 3 up to the top of the mountain. This is where the main estate buildings are located. Along this road, you'll find several parking areas. From these spots, you can see wonderful views of the Connecticut River. You can also gaze at the famous White Mountains.
Discovering the Historic Weeks Estate Buildings
The main buildings of the Weeks Estate are at the very top of Prospect Mountain. These include the main house, a carriage house, a stone tower, and even servants' quarters. Each building has its own unique style and history. They show how people lived and worked over a hundred years ago.
Inside the Main House and Stone Tower
The main house is a two-story building. It's covered in stucco and has a mix of old English and Spanish styles. It features a red tile roof and decorative wooden beams. The carriage house and servants' quarters share a similar look.
The circular stone tower is a highlight of the park. It once held a water storage tank. Now, it's open for visitors to climb. From the top, you get amazing 360-degree views of the entire countryside. The main house also has a museum. It tells the story of the Weeks family. It also explains John Wingate Weeks' important work in protecting nature.
The Story of John Wingate Weeks and the Park
John Wingate Weeks was born in Lancaster, New Hampshire. He later became a U.S. Representative for Massachusetts. He started buying land on Prospect Mountain, near his family's old property. The auto road and the main house were both built in 1912.
Weeks was very important in creating the Weeks Act in 1911. This law allowed for the creation of national forests in the eastern United States. One of these was the White Mountain National Forest, which you can see from the park's summit. Weeks also served as the United States Secretary of War in the 1920s.
How the Park Was Created
In 1941, John Wingate Weeks' children gave this property to the state of New Hampshire. This generous gift created Weeks State Park. The summit area of the park was recognized for its historical importance in 1985. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The entire park was also added to this list in 2023.
