History & Culture
The Russell-Colbath house in the 19th century.
Historic Sites and Heritage Resources
The Heritage Program on The White Mountain National Forest, like that of all National Forests, is dedicated to the protection and appropriate management of significant cultural resources. We strive to share an appreciation of these resources with the public and Forest visitors, and to provide professional advice to resource specialists and managers of the Forest. Our efforts will:
- Ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to discover the human stories etched on the landscapes of our National Forest;
- Make the past come alive as a vibrant part of our recreational experiences and community life;
- Connect people to the land in a way that will help us better understand the role of environmental history and its influence on Forest resources today and in the future.
When visiting our National Forests please remember:
The past belongs to all Americans
Leave what you find so others can experience and learn from it
WMNF Cultural History
The White Mountains have a long history and a wide variety of cultural sites. more
Native Americans
Systematic archaeological testing has located 21 prehistoric Native American sites on the WMNF. more
Euro-American History
Exploration of the White Mountains by Europeans began in the mid-17th century. more
Visiting WMNF Historic Sites
Visitors to the WMNF will undoubtedly notice the traces of the past that can be found across the Forest. more
Features
White Mountain National Forest Celebrates Dolly Copp Campground

Due to the pandemic, Forest Service staff were unable to organize a public celebration to commemorate the campground’s anniversary. To honor this historic occasion, a 16-minute documentary was created using historic and current-day photos.
White Mountain National Forest Historic Hiking Shelters
The development, evolution, and historical significance of hiking trail shelters in the White Mountains.
Spotlights
Preservation 50th: Smarts Mountain Cabin and Lookout

The White Mountain National Forest and HistoriCorps, with support from the Dartmouth Outing Club and Green Woodlands, completed restoration of the fire tower and cabin on Smarts Mountain.
Preservation 50th: Fabyan Cabin

The Fabyan Guard Station is the oldest structure built by the Forest Service in White Mountain National Forest and is one of the oldest remaining guard stations in the eastern United States.
Historic Fire Equipment Depot and District Office

The White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) constructed Fire Equipment Depot buildings on three of its five ranger districts between 1940 and 1942.