In about 1892, logging began up the Dry River Valley. The Dry River branches off the current Route 302, a couple of miles west of Notchland. The town of Carrigain developed as part of this logging enterprise.
One of the principles of the Saco Valley Rail Road was Benjamin Garland, who, prior to this time, operated a small saw mill. The town developed around his mill and eventually housed 300 people, or more. The was a large railroad station with a full time agent, a company store (pictured above), a boarding house, a school, and several small homes.
By 1898, most of the logging was completed and the town eventually was abandoned.
Today, little remains. The roadbed and sidings can be seen and some stone foundations remain. The land is now part of the White Mountain National Forest and nature has reclaimed the land.
Photos of Carrigain
Suggested Reading:
As of yet, there is no reference book solely devoted to Abandoned Towns.
"Logging Railroads of the White Mountains" by C. Frances Belcher, includes information on the towns assoicated with the logging railroads.
"Logging Railroads of the Saco River Valley" by Bill Gove, has a full chapter on the Saco River Railroad. It's one of three books Gove has written on WHite Mountain logging railroads.
As noted earlier, "Chronicles of the White Mountains" by Frederick Kilbourne is excellent and also has information on some of the towns.
Historic and archaeological sites are special places that tell the story of our past. Leave artifacts as you find them. Rearranging them limits their scientific value and
the experience of future visitors.
Visitors are reminded that Sate and Federal law
prohibits disturbing these sites or removing any
artifacts.
