Portfolio of Excursion Routes by Rail, Stage, River and Ocean Steamers as Furnished by the Management of the Worcester, Nashua & Rochester Railroad Portland & Worcester Line

A Gilded Age Tour to the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

This uncommon little promotional volume was published in Worcester, MA in 1884 by the Worcester, Nashua, & Rochester Railroad. The short-lived company was created the year prior through a lease agreement between the Worcester & Nashua and the Nashua & Rochester. It was acquired in 1886 by the Boston & Maine Railroad, which facilitated the final extension to Portland.

The small booklet includes two fold-outs, each printed on thin paper and moderately creased. The first, a Bird’s Eye View of the White Mountains of New Hampshire (copyrighted in 1880 by H.N. Turner), shows a vivid topographic depiction of the popular destination, emphasizing geographic features, railroad lines, and local resorts. The verso is a simple, though effective, Tourist’s Map of the Portland and Worcester Line. The second, larger, fold-out measures ~21″ x 7.5″ and is titled Bird’s Eye View of Bethlehem Street, New Hampshire, 1882. The image, signed by Russell Fichapeson [sp?] in the lower right, identifies over 120 different locations of interest.

During the Gilded Age, the White Mountains emerged as one of the premier resort destinations in the northeastern United States, drawing wealthy visitors from cities like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century made the region easily accessible, spurring the construction of grand hotels and scenic mountain retreats. Bethlehem, in particular, gained national attention for its exceptionally clean air and high elevation, becoming a popular destination for those seeking relief from respiratory ailments and summer heat. By the late 19th century, Bethlehem had developed into a vibrant resort town, with a thriving tourism industry that included elegant hotels, cultural events, and a growing reputation as a fashionable summer haven.