Navigational Records: Archives of Historical Diaries, Maps, and Hikers within the Pemigewasset Wilderness
Ready to embark on a history-packed adventure? AMC Archivist Becky Fullerton has been delving deep into century-old maps, hiker journals, and photos from the White Mountains, exploring how wayfinding and backpacking have transformed - and stayed the same - over the last century.
This fantastic journey will unfold in Becky's session at the 2022 AMC Annual Summit, titled "Wayfinding: Historical Journals, Maps, and Hikers of the Pemigewasset Wilderness." The Annual Summit, a gathering for AMC community members, offers insights from outdoor experts, volunteer honors, and AMC's annual business meeting. This year's event goes virtual on January 22, 2022 – head over to our website to learn more and grab your spot!
We snagged some time with Becky to learn more about this enticing topic and her session.
So, Becky, what drew you to the study of maps and wayfinding?
Truth be told, I'm no map expert, but I've always admired maps and the folks who craft them, especially from the 19th century and earlier. That era saw them innovating fresh, without GPS or aerial imagery, relying solely on exploring the physical land to make sense of their surroundings. With the AMC Archives brimming with handwritten journals, we have an extraordinary window into the thoughts, feelings, and actions of early hikers – some of whom adventured off the beaten path, where trails didn't exist yet. Comparing their accounts to contemporary and historical maps allows us to pinpoint where they hiked, and it's fascinating to see how the landscape has evolved.
The terrain in the White Mountains has indeed shifted quite a bit, correct?
Indeed it has! Several logs entries describe hiking through landscapes totally different from today. At the time, vast tracts of forest were being cleared by logging operations, while others had recently been ravaged by wildfires. It's challenging to envision a smoky, charred environment when we are accustomed to lush greenery in the White Mountain National Forest. Couple that with the discovery of "civilized" pockets amidst the wilderness – it's just amazing!
What similarities and differences have you found between past and present wayfinding and backpacking?
Certainly, gear has evolved significantly, but the core knowledge that hikers rely on – like following rivers and ridgelines or navigating by word of mouth – hasn't. In earlier days, adventurers venturing into uncharted territory would often hire local guides. They experienced a greater element of adventure that we don't see quite as much anymore since trails are well-established and information is readily available online. Yet, there's still some fun to be had when venturing into new territory.
Any fascinating journal excerpts that have caught your eye?
One entry that's stuck with me recounts a 1882 expedition led by AMC's trail supervisor. He offered to guide a party through the Pemigewasset Wilderness, which was still largely trail-free. His only takers? Three bold women eager to join him! Skeptical, he agreed and hired local guides. They crossed North Twin, the Bonds, and battled through dense krummholz – miniature, gnarled spruce trees – for miles, scratched and grabbed by branches. It's mind-blowing that these ladies went through such trials, and their journey eventually led to the establishment of a trail!
If you're jazzed about this glimpse into the past, join us on January 22, 2022, for Becky Fullerton's 2022 AMC Annual Summit session, "Wayfinding: Historical Journals, Maps, and Hikers of the Pemigewasset Wilderness." Sign up now and don't miss out on an unforgettable hiking history lesson! Go to the event registration here.
This exploration delves into the fascinating world of outdoor-living, as Becky Fullerton's session at the 2022 AMC Annual Summit examines the evolution of wayfinding and backpacking in the White Mountains over the last century. The event, featuring insights from outdoor experts, will provide a captivating home-and-garden for AMC community members, where topics such as sports and lifestyle intertwine with history.
