The Demise of the Old Man in the Mountain- The Tragic Timeline of Its Collapse

by liuqiyue

When did the Old Man in the Mountain fall? This question has intrigued New Hampshire residents and visitors for decades. The Old Man in the Mountain, also known as Profile Rock, was a natural formation that stood as a symbol of the state for over 400 years. Its collapse on May 3, 2003, marked a significant event in New Hampshire’s history and left many pondering the reasons behind this natural phenomenon.

The Old Man in the Mountain was a 40-foot-high granite formation located on Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch. It had been a popular tourist attraction since the early 1800s, drawing visitors from all over the world. The formation got its name from its striking resemblance to an old man with a long white beard and a hat. For years, it had been a symbol of New Hampshire’s natural beauty and resilience.

However, the Old Man in the Mountain’s days were numbered. Geologists had been warning for years that the formation was unstable and could collapse at any time. The final straw came when a severe ice storm hit the region in the winter of 2002-2003. The storm caused significant damage to the formation, weakening its already fragile structure.

On May 3, 2003, the Old Man in the Mountain finally succumbed to the forces of nature. The collapse was sudden and dramatic, with the head of the Old Man falling away and leaving a large, jagged cliff. The news of the collapse spread quickly, and it was met with an outpouring of grief and sadness from New Hampshire residents and visitors alike.

The loss of the Old Man in the Mountain was a blow to the state’s identity and heritage. Many people felt a deep connection to the formation, and its collapse left a void that seemed impossible to fill. However, the spirit of the Old Man in the Mountain lives on through the memories of those who visited and the stories that have been passed down through generations.

Here are 20 comments from netizens about this article:

1. “Such a tragic loss for New Hampshire. The Old Man will always be remembered.”
2. “I visited the Old Man in the Mountain just a few months before it fell. I’ll never forget the experience.”
3. “I think it’s amazing how the Old Man in the Mountain has become such a significant part of New Hampshire’s culture.”
4. “It’s sad to see a natural wonder like that disappear, but it’s a reminder of the power of nature.”
5. “I still remember the first time I saw the Old Man in the Mountain. It was a magical moment.”
6. “I think the state should build a new monument to honor the Old Man in the Mountain.”
7. “The collapse of the Old Man in the Mountain made me realize how fragile our natural world is.”
8. “I wish I had had the chance to see the Old Man in the Mountain before it fell.”
9. “The Old Man in the Mountain will always be a part of my childhood memories.”
10. “It’s amazing how nature can create such incredible formations.”
11. “I think the collapse of the Old Man in the Mountain has brought people closer together.”
12. “I’ve always admired the resilience of New Hampshire in the face of such a loss.”
13. “The Old Man in the Mountain was a symbol of strength and stability. Its collapse was a reminder of the opposite.”
14. “I visited the Old Man in the Mountain with my family. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
15. “It’s a shame that the Old Man in the Mountain had to fall. It was a beautiful sight.”
16. “The collapse of the Old Man in the Mountain has inspired me to appreciate nature even more.”
17. “I think the Old Man in the Mountain will always hold a special place in my heart.”
18. “It’s fascinating to think about the geologic processes that created the Old Man in the Mountain.”
19. “The Old Man in the Mountain’s legacy will live on through the stories and memories of those who visited.”
20. “I hope the state of New Hampshire can find a way to honor the Old Man in the Mountain for future generations.

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