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From its mountainous perch, the Old Man has stood for centuries as a testament to the steadfastness of New Hampshire's Yankee character and the resolve of its people. Sometime overnight on May 3, 2003, the cherished state symbol slipped from its rocky perch on the side of the mountain in Franconia Notch in the White Mountains. |
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While the exact cause is unknown, it is suspected that the freezing and thawing of the past winter combined with heavy rains contributed to its collapse. Governor Craig Benson announced "This rugged yet beautiful monument fit the character of the pioneers who founded this state, the immigrants who built it, and the spirit of those who live here today. It was the ultimate symbol of those who would 'Live Free or Die.' And while that symbol may have fallen, that spirit still remains." |
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The Profile was a natural rock formation that was formed by a series of geologic happenings that began an estimated 200 million years ago. Hovering majestically 1,200 feet above Profile Lake, the Old Man was made of five separate granite ledges arranged horizontally to form a man's profile. From chin to forehead, the Profile measured about 40 feet high and 25 feet wide.
The Old Man of the Mountain was the State Symbol for New Hampshire and was chosen as representation for the New Hampshire Quarter, part of the Millenium quarters series. |
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The profile was also featured on many stamps.
The Governor, true to the indominable spirit we so admire in our friends to the south, has announced that he is immediately forming a task force to examine the possibility of resurrecting the state symbol. "We will open an 'Old Man of the Mountain Revitalization Fund' for those who wish to donate to this effort. I am committed to doing everything possible to restore this important monument to our Granite State." He may want to consult with the original builder, however, for as Daniel Webster once said, 'Men hang out signs indicative of their respective trades; shoe makers hang out a gigantic shoe; watchmakers a monster watch. But up in the mountains of New Hampshire, God Almighty Himself has hung a sign to show that here in New Hampshire, He makes men.'" |
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Newsletter #42 |
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For nearly 400 years the "Granite State" of New Hampshire has used the "Old Man of the Mountain" as their state symbol. | Home - Info - Auction - Sales - Appraisal |
 All Nations Stamp & Coin
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