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UNCANOONUC INCLINE RAILWAY AND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY


On the 25th of March, 1903, certain citizens of Manchester and towns of New Hampshire were incorporated under the name of the Uncanoonuc Incline Railway and Development Company, and were given power under their charter to construct, maintain and operate an electric railway from some point near Shirley Station to the Photo: The Uncanoonuc Mountain House summit of the Uncanoonuc Mountains, and also to construct suitable buildings upon the summit for the convenience of the traveling public, all of which must be constructed within two years.

In February, 1905, the time was extended until March 25, 1907, for the building of the road, and the legislature also granted them the right to make physical connection with the Manchester Street Railway. The electric cars of each corporation could be run over the lines of the other as per agreement of parties.

On the 5th of August, 1905, authority was granted to the officials of the road by the selectmen of Goffstown to connect with the Manchester Street Railway at a point near Shirley Station. The road first traverses the highway for a short distance, and then through private land parallels the Shirley Hill Road to a point near the Orr buildings, crossing the same and following through private land to the Cram Road, crossing this near the easterly line of the Cram land. The road then parallels the Cram Road on the southerly side to the road leading Photo: Uncanoon Incline Railway from the residence of the late Joseph Cram to that of J. R. Ferson, and crossing this extends to the base of the mountain. Here is located the base station, upon what was formerly known as the Ephraim Roberts farm, afterwords owned by Samuel Orr.

The incline road extends from the base station to the summit, and the cars are run up and down the incline road by a cable passing over pulleys, and a turnout is equidistant from base to summit. The first cars were run over the electric line in 1905, and up the incline road in 1907. Since the opening of the incline railway thousands of people from all parts of the United States have visited the mountain, and enjoyed the scenery of the surrounding country.



It might be noted in the early 1900's up through maybe World War II era the area was a very popular recreational area. Not only ski activities but carnivals, etc. etc. There were regular 'ski trains' for skiers.


CREDITS: EXCERPTS: Town of Goffstown, New Hampshire