When Cornwall was incorporated as a town in 1740, the landscape was comprised of woodlands. Cornwall’s first settlers were each required to clear and fence six acres of land within two years. Forests were thought of as land to be “improved” by cutting down the trees, clearing out the bushes, and removing large rocks. Trees were valued as lumber, used in constructing buildings and bridges, and sold for ship building in coastal towns.

Pease Brothers, West Cornwall, 1868.
Collection of Cornwall Historical Society.

This view cannot be reproduced today, as there are too many trees in the way.