"This historic structure report (HSR) was commissioned by the National Park Service's Northeast Region Office and researched and written by EYP Architecture & Engineering. It is intended to document the original design and construction of Buildings 8 and 10 in the Coltsville National Historical Park and to illuminate the evolution of the two buildings up to the present time. Its ultimate purpose is to help the National Park Service (NPS) reach informed decisions regarding the future treatment and use of the two buildings. Its focus is limited to these two buildings. It does not address the remainder of the factory complex or any other component of the Coltsville National Historical Park. The report uses archival materials that document the historic background of Samuel Colt and the context for the construction of the Colt Patent Fire Arms Co. in Hartford only to the extent that they illuminate the particular character of Buildings 8 and 10. It focuses on his prior experience with construction of an armory and with the business of production and sale of arms in Paterson, New Jersey, an industrial district that had explored the use of steam power. A critical lesson of his early failure was the importance of marketing, and the flexible use of the factory building in response to changing demand. The latter involved the letting of space to sub-contractors and the manufacture of alternative products. In between the years in Paterson and 1855, Colt also learned the value of innovation, promotion and expertise, as evident in his deals with the British government and the construction of his London factory, and his cultivation of Elisha Root, Eli Whitney Jr., and other leading engineers of the Connecticut Valley and New England. All these factors came together in the design of Buildings 8 and 10. The report argues that Colt, together with his master mechanic, Elisha Root, with their broad experience of forging and foundry work, were principally responsible for the space planning of the Hartford factory, and for guiding the form and major details of Buildings 8 and 10, if not for structural design and ornamental detailing. They were, as is documented here, the patent holders for the drop hammers and hearths that were central to the production of forged parts that came out of these two buildings under their management."--Executive summary.

This environmental assessment analyzes five alternatives for management of La Cumbre Peak. The alternatives are : A) Manage the site for recreational use, B) Maintain site at the existing use levels (continue current management), C) Manage the site for recreation and communications allowing minimal radio-electonics use expansion, D) Manage the site for recreation and communications allowing moderate radio-electronics use expansion, and E) Manage the site for communications. Based on analysis and evaluation described in this assessment, it is my decision to adopt Alternative C for management of the La Cumbre Peak site. The alternative calls for meetiting the needs of the existing electronic users on La Cumbre Peak and at the same time minimizing the impact upon recreational users. This would be accomplished by permitting an addition of approximately 350 square feet onto the existing electronics building, moving the Forest Service fire lookout tower to a new location, and limiting the number of electronics permittees operating at the site to no more than currently permitted. The option for increasing recreational day use facilities and interpretive displays at the site would be dependent upon available funding.

A young boy living in the mountains of North Carolina describes his home, family, and daily activities.