"The Lure of Esther Mountain: Matriarch of the Adirondack High Peaks"

written by Sandra Weber
published by Purple Mountain Press, 1995

This book describes the natural and social history of the only Adirondack high peak named for a woman. It tells the story of the mountain's birth, settlement, development, abuse, scientific significance, and wild beauty.  Besides its documentation of local history, the book celebrates the often over-looked role of women in history. Two women figure predominantly in the story of Esther Mountain. Esther Combs is the young pioneer woman who discovered the mountain in 1839. Grace Hudowalski is the first woman to climb all forty-six Adirondack high peaks and to lead a climb in 1939, celebrating the 100 year anniversary of Esther's climb.

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Quotes from the book:

• "Esther Mountain stands at the end of a three-mile spur that extends northeast from Whiteface. Esther is relatively unknown and rarely explored; thousands of people drive, hike, or ski to the top of Whiteface and view Esther without knowing its identity or legacy." -page 9

  "Her slash-covered sides, dead down timber and very thick balsam present numerous pitfalls to the hiker who seeks her summit." -page 52

  "Esther Mountain has been dug, cut, blasted, burned, stripped, paved, and ignored. It has lost its pristine wilderness character but it still offers unique opportunities for tourists, scientists, and hikers." -page 73

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Last Updated 10/27/03
© Sandra Weber, 1998-2003