Crawford House

Crawford House was a large hotel building spanning three stories with wide porches overlooking Crawford Notch and Saco Lake. The structure extended across a considerable length and offered guests expansive views of the surrounding mountain terrain.

The original structure opened in 1850 but was destroyed by fire just nine years later. Rebuilding happened quickly, and within two months a new and larger building stood in its place.

The hotel served as a gathering place for visitors seeking mountain adventures and helped establish Crawford Notch as a destination for those exploring the region's landscape. It brought together travelers from different places who shared a love of outdoor exploration.

The hotel provided direct access to hiking trails, especially Mount Willard, and was located near the Portland & Ogdensburg Railroad station. Visitors could easily set out for outdoor activities or arrive by train.

The hotel could accommodate around 400 guests at its peak and sat at the boundary between two different watershed systems in the region. This geographic position made it a special location in the mountain range.