Willey family killed by landslide at Crawford Notch

Background. Crawford Notch is a major pass through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The area was named for the Crawford family, who were trail-builders and hostelers in the 19th century. Samuel Willey, Jr. and his family moved into a house in the notch in 1825. The Willey House, originally known as Old Notch House, was built in 1793 and acquired by Ethan Crawford in 1823 for use as an inn; in 1826 it was occupied by a family headed by Samuel J. Willey.

The Landslide. Northern New England experienced a drought in the summer of 1826, which ended with a terrific storm on the evening of August 28. Flooding followed, affecting the valley at Crawford Notch. The landslide killed seven members of the Willey family and two other people. The event is a well-documented historic occurrence within the notch.

Legacy. The 4,000-foot peak on the western wall of the notch became known as Mount Willey, named after Samuel Willey, Jr. and his family. The site of the house and the landslide is now an interpretive center within Crawford Notch State Park. The tragedy inspired literary works, including Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story "The Ambitious Guest" in 1835.