Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of the collapse of New Hampshire’s Old Man of the Mountain.

Old Man of the Mountain – pre-collapse. Photo by Kevin Harkins.

The Old Man of the Mountain was a natural rock formation located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, USA. It was a series of five granite cliff ledges that appeared to form the profile of an old man’s face, looking out over the landscape. The formation stood at a height of 1,200 feet above Profile Lake and was an iconic symbol of the state of New Hampshire, appearing on license plates, state quarters, and many other state-related items.

The Old Man of the Mountain was significant to the people of New Hampshire because it had become a cultural and historical icon, representing the state’s natural beauty, independence, and resilience. The formation was first discovered in 1805 and had since become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world.

However, on May 3, 2003, the Old Man of the Mountain collapsed due to natural erosion, and the profile that had stood for centuries was lost forever. Despite efforts to stabilize the formation and preserve it, the damage was too severe, and the rock formation collapsed. The loss of the Old Man of the Mountain was a significant blow to the people of New Hampshire, who mourned the loss of their beloved icon. Today, visitors can still view a memorial site at the base of Cannon Mountain, where they can learn about the history and significance of the Old Man of the Mountain.

Cartoon by Gerry Nelson.