From the Mountains to the Sea: Protecting Nature in Postwar New Hampshire

New Hampshire residents banded together to preserve Franconia Notch, Sandwich Notch, and Durham on New Hampshire's seacoast from development in the last half of the twentieth century. This led to the construction of a parkway instead of an interstate highway, prevented the building of an oil refinery, and saved Sandwich Notch from becoming a vacation community.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: University of Massachusetts Press

In the aftermath of World War II, faced with mounting pressures from business and government, the people of New Hampshire rallied together to safeguard their most cherished natural treasures and iconic geological features. From the Mountains to the Sea delves into the intricate interplay of history, memory, and tradition that shaped a deep sense of belonging in the state, inspiring citizen activists to protect Franconia Notch, Sandwich Notch, and the town of Durham along New Hampshire's scenic seacoast from development in the latter half of the 20th century. These valiant efforts resulted in the creation of a picturesque parkway instead of an interstate highway, the prevention of an oil refinery from being built, and the preservation of Sandwich Notch from becoming a bustling vacation destination. Rooted in New Hampshire's distinctive conservation ethos, which emerged in the early 20th century, and the enduring tradition of home rule, the outcomes of these campaigns hinged on a profound understanding, appreciation, and commitment to safeguarding the historic and aesthetic values of these three remarkable places.

Weight: 333g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781625345004