The Great Falls are an historic and scenic site that is considered by many to be the birthplace of American industry .
A 19th Century Engraving of a 1750's painting of the Great Falls
The Great Falls are the second largest waterfall, by volume, east of the Mississippi. The 77-foot tall falls have played an important role in our nation's history. In the early colonial days, it was a tourist attraction and drew people from as far as New York City, a difficult 2-3 day trip for New Yorkers (now its about 60 minutes, unless there is traffic, when it can seem like 2-3 days).
Gen. George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette and Lt. Col. Alexander Hamilton stopped by the falls during the the Revolutionary War on July 10, 1778. Shortly afterward, Washington's Aide-de Camp, James McHenry (who was also present) wrote this account of the event:
"After viewing these falls we seated ourselves round the General under a large spreading oak within view of the spray and in hearing of the noise. A fine cool spring bubbled out most charmingly from the bottom of the tree. The travelling canteens were immediately emptied and a modest repast spread before us, of cold ham, tongue and some biscuit. With the assistance of a little spirit we composed some excellent grog. Then we chatted away a very cheerful half hour - and then took our leave of the friendly oak.""
Inspired by his earlier visit, in 1791 Alexander Hamilton and a group of investors created the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures (S.U.M.), to harness the power of the Great Falls. They hired Pierre Charles L'Enfant, the planner of Washington, D.C., to design the largest and most extensive water power system at that time. It diverted water from the Passaic River above the falls to nearby mills. Hamilton envisioned an industrialized America and the creation of S.U.M. was an example of how corporations could be organized to encourage large scale manufacturing. The S.U.M., along with the laws, finances and incentives that Hamilton pushed for as the nation's first Secretary of the Treasurey were the nascence of American capitalism.
Beyond the falls' place in the development of our country, it was also the spot where, in 1827, Sam Patch began his career as a waterfall jumping daredevil. He was soon to become one of the most famous celebrities of his day and was the first person to jump Niagara Falls and survive. Note: Do not attempt to jump the falls. Sam Patch was a professional and pretty darn good at it. Well except for once...
Any additional photos of the falls would be welcome.
Lunchtime Cache Cache In - Trash Out! Handicap Access Less than 500 ft. from car to cache
No restrooms available |