Franconia in Grafton County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)

The Cannon on the Skyline

Photographed by Larry Gertner, September 2008

1. The Cannon on the Skyline Marker

Inscription. On the skyline 1800 above you stands cannon Rock. This natural rock formation, consisting of a hugh (sic) table-like stone superimposed on a large boulder, stands guard over Franconia Notch like a cannon protruding from the parapet of an ancient fortress.

Thousands of years ago, during the great ice age, this rock was carried along by the glacier and when the ice melted was deposited high on the ridge where you see it today. It is from this rock that Cannon Mountain gets its name. Years ago early settlers and travelers knew the peak by such other names as Freak Mt., Old Man’s Mt., Mt. Jackson and Profile Mt. In 1853 the name Cannon appeared on Bond’s map of the White Mountains. By 1875 this name was in common use for the 4200 foot peak.

(Dimensions)
Rock formation 21 feet in length
Barrel stone 11 feet long
Muzzle end 9 feet above ground

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Landmarks.

Location. 44° 10.05′ N, 71° 40.967′ W. Marker is in Franconia, New Hampshire, in Grafton County. It can be reached from Recreational Trail (U.S. 93). The marker

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is in the Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site in Franconia Notch State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Franconia NH 03580, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Niels F.F. Nielsen, Jr. (here, next to this marker); The Appalachian Trail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Profile Lake (approx. ¼ mile away); Landslides (approx. ¼ mile away); Eagle Cliff (approx. ¼ mile away); Why is it called A NOTCH? (approx. ¼ mile away); Franconia Notch (approx. ¼ mile away); The Old Man of the Mountain (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franconia.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, September 2008

2. The Cannon

Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 941 times since then and 134 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 25, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.