Adirondack Park, New York - Unlucky Guide Monument

The Monument is to David Henderson, not a guide, but an entrepreneur who founded an iron smelting operation in the area of the High Peaks. The pistol that Henderson discharged (in September of 1845) had been cocked by his guide, John Cheney. The site of the accident is commemorated in the name of the site, "Calamity Pond." [Ray Welch, 10/15/1998]

While hiking in the Adirondack Mountains, in the area that is known locally as the High Peaks region, I came across a marker that was set up in the memory of a guide who was accidently shot by his own pistol while he was leading a party of tourists in the late 1800's. The pistol was in the pocket of his vest and it discharged when the vest was removed. As I recall, it was along the trail near Colton Lakes, about 5 - 10 miles from the ADK LOJ. To me, it may not be exactly 'roadside' material, but it is very unusual to see a monument so far from any sign of civilization. [Ted Steinhorst, 01/21/1998]