BGuthrie Photos: NY -- Niagara Falls (from US side)

NY -- Niagara Falls (from US side):

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Specific picture descriptions: Photos above with "i" icons next to the bracketed sequence numbers (e.g. "[1] ") are described as follows:
1. NFNY_071021_044.JPG: Niagara Falls @ night from US side
2. NFNY_071021_160.JPG: Niagara Falls @ night, from US side
3. NFNY_071022_037.JPG: Note the people on the staircase at the bottom of the pictures. They're people coming out of the Maid of the Mist trip.
4. NFNY_071022_041.JPG: The blue-coated walkers are going up by the falls as part of the Maid of the Mist trip. I didn't realize that the route dead-ended until I did it myself. My feet got totally wet.
5. NFNY_071022_189.JPG: Schoellkopf Power Station Collapse: One of the most tragic rockfalls destroyed the Schoellkopf Power Station on June 7, 1956. This plant was a major supplier of hydroelectric power to local industry and its loss had a disastrous effect on the economy of the area. A number of factors acting together cause the failure of the gorge wall that demolished the power plant. Penstocks within the gorge well that carried water from the canal at the top of the gorge to the turbines at the river level were leaking water. This built up hydrostatic pressure within the gorge wall. Within fifteen minutes, about 120,000 tons of rock fell onto the power station in three separate slides. Schoellkopf sections No. 3-B and 3-C were destroyed, and although section No. 3-A was still standing, it was severely damage. Eventually, this site became the home of the Schoellkopf Geological Museum, an educational facility for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation,and Historic Preservation.
6. NFNY_071022_190.JPG: American Falls De-watered: Concern over the occurrence of major rockfalls like those of 1954, and their effect on the appearance of the American Falls, led to one of the most dramatic man-made accomplishments in Niagara's history. The ambitious shutting down of the Falls in 1969, gave the United States and Canada valuable information which has served as a guide to prevent further geological related events and disasters. A cofferdam was constructed between the east-end of Goat Island and the American mainland. The entire American Rapids channel and falls were de-watered, a feat never performed by man before and seldom by nature. From June to November 1969, a complete and detailed geologic investigation was made. The purposed of the study were threefold: (1) determine if erosion of the American Falls could be controlled, (2) determine if removal of the rock debris at the base of the American Falls was desirable, (3) determine if other measures were necessary to preserve the beauty of the Falls. The de-watering study furnished geologic and engineering information and an understanding of conditions at the American Falls that had been unattainable previously. An additional authorization was made in 1970 to include a study of Luna Island and Terrapin Point viewing areas. These investigations revealed unstable sections and instruments were installed to monitor rock movement and to provide warning of future massive rockfalls. In 1955, the Cave of the Winds walk below the Bridal Veil Falls was permanently altered. Originally, a large ledge of Lockport Dolostone below the crest of Bridal Veil directed water away from the face of the cliff and allowed people to walk directly behind the Falls. This ledge, approximately 30 feet deep, was judged to be unsafe and was removed by blasting. In spite of this, the Cave of the Winds walk is still a spectacular trip that leads to the base of Bridal Veil Falls, but not longer passes behind it. In 1972, remedial work was performed at Luna Island and the Bridal Veil Falls. This falls was de-watered and steel dowels, rock bolts, and cable tendons were installed in an intricate pattern to strengthen and stabilize the area. A series of drain holes were drilled to relieve the hydrostatic pressure of ground water.
7. NFNY_071022_191.JPG: Terrapin Point (Cracks): In the early 1970s, major cracks and unstable areas were discovered as few as 25 feet from the edge of Terrapin Point and marked this as the next possible site of a major rockfall. After years of study, it was decided that some of the overhang should be removed and the remaining rock stabilized to save it from further deterioration. In 1983, a series of closely timed blasts peeled away the tip of Terrapin Point in ten foot slabs which neatly dropped into a 25,000 ton pile of rock, rimming the pool below. As had been done in 1972 at Luna Island and at the Bridal Veil Falls, the remaining ledge was secured with rock bolts, cable tendons, and pressure relief holes. As a result of the study of the American Falls in 1969, the International Joint Commission made a number of recommendations to the Canadian and United States governments. It was decided that the overall guiding policy regarding the future of the American Falls should be to accept the process of change as a dynamic part of the natural conditions of the Falls, and that the process of erosion and recession should not be interrupted. Removal of the rock debris at the base of the Falls was determined to be too expensive to show significant viewing improvement. It was recommended that Falls recession be allowed to continue, for it was too costly to stop and would essentially turn the American Falls into an artificial feature. Other measures of artificially improving the appearance of the Falls, such as raising the water level below the Falls or diverting more water to the American Falls, were found to be possible but not desirable. Finally, it was recommended that measures should be implemented for the safety of the viewing public.
8. NFNY_071022_219.JPG: Native American Monument, dedicated during the 1970s to honor Native Americans local to the area.
9. NFNY_071022_221.JPG: Civil War Memorial. Predating the park, it was constructed in 1876 to honor local soldiers that fought and died during the Civil War.
10. NFNY_071022_263.JPG: Green Island: The Porter brothers purchased this once-forested, 1.5-acre island along with Goat Island in 1816. Within ten years, they had constructed a paper mill here and established the Niagara Falls Paper Manufacturing Company. Over the next half century, the mill changed hands several times, burned, and was rebuild and enlarged. After the Niagara Reservation State Park was established in 1885, the buildings on this island were demolished. The island was once called Bath Island for the bathhouse, which opened here in 1821. This establishment offered "showering baths, as well as warm and cold baths from the rushing waters of the rapids." The baths became world-famous, and many people believed the limestone minerals in the water would cure their physical ailments. Bath Island was renamed Green Island in 188 in honor of Andrew H. Green, a president and a member of the Board of Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara.
11. NFNY_071022_279.JPG: Goat Island: Goat Island is made up of dolostone bedrock covered with glacial deposits. For thousands of years, these deposits lay under deep lake and river waters. About 3,500 years ago, the water level of the upper Niagara River began to drop, eventually exposing the deposits forming Goat Island. The combination of the mist from the falls and fertile soil made Goat Island the site of what was a very special forest that included the largest variety of shrubs and trees in North America. To the Native American people, the islands and other lands by the falls were sacred because they believed the Thunder Being "Heno," an important deity, lived behind the Horseshoe Falls. By the latter part of the 18th century, Goat Island was in the possession of the British and cared for by the settler, John Stedman. To protect his livestock from the wolves on the mainland, Stedman made a clearing for them on the upper end of the island. During a very severe winter, all of his animals died except for one goat. Impressed with the goat's hardiness, Stedman called the land the Goat's Island. In 1816, Peter and Augustus Porter, founders of the nearby village of Manchester (later known as Niagara Falls), purchased the island from the State of New York. The two brothers respected the island's natural beauty and preserved it as a scenic spot for visitors, building only a few structures. The Porter family maintained the island until 1885, when it and all the other islands above the falls were purchased for $525,000 by the State of New York to become part of the new Niagara Reservation State Park. Goat Island's unique beauty was noticed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Olmsted wrote of the rare beauty of Goat Island and the "exceeding loveliness of the rock foliage." Quiet contemplation of nature, he felt, would provide for both mental and physical renewal. It was Olmsted's original 1887 design ideas that primarily shaped the Niagara Reservation.
12. NFNY_071022_382.JPG: Luna Island: Located between the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls, this island was named in the 19th century for the beautiful moonlit rainbows visitor could see here on nights when the moon is full or near full. Caused by the mist from the falls, these lunar bows are rarely visible today because of the decrease in the water's flow and the presence of artificial lights. Luna Island was once covered with white cedar trees, which were able to withstand harsh winter conditions. In the summer, these trees were filled with the nests of bald eagles and cedar waxwings. Throughout the years, the trees have disappeared because of natural erosion and human activity. The Luna Island/Bridal Veil Falls Viewing Area was closed in 1954-55 to remove a rock overhang, and again in 1970-72 to stabilize the area. During this period, the Bridal Veil Falls was dewatered, holes were drilled in the island's rock base to relieve water pressure, and giant rock bolts, rock dowels, and cable tendons were installed to prevent the occurrence of rockfalls. Today, Luna Island provides the closest and most dramatic setting from which visitors can safely view the American Falls.
13. NFNY_071022_412.JPG: This table of slate from the mountains of Wales commemorates the first Welsh hymn-singing festival organized b the Welsh National Gumanka (sp?) Ganu Association, Inc., and held here on 1 September 1929. Unveiled by The Rt. Hon. George Thomas, M.P., Speaker, British House of Commons. The gift of the people of Wales, 1 September 1979. "Deuwch, Gwnwan n Arghwydd" "Come, Sing to the Lord"
14. NFNY_071022_425.JPG: The American side of the falls is a forested park unlike the Canadian side.
15. NFNY_071022_431.JPG: Carriage House: Was once a horse barn, maintenance office and a blacksmith shop built in 1915. The main building experienced a damaging fire in 1958, but has since been renovated back to its original architectural style for use by the State Parks Department.
16. NFNY_071022_436.JPG: Tesla Statue: Carved by Croatian sculptor Franco Krsinic and unveiled in 1976, it is in honor of Nikola Tesla. Tesla's alternating current method of electrical distribution was chosen over Thomas Edison's system of direct current for use in the Adams Power Plant. He designed the generators in the power plant and his method of alternating current is the basis for today's system of electrical distribution.
17. NFNY_071022_443.JPG: Power Arch: Designed by Standford White, the arch was the main entrance to the Adams Power Plant. The power house was part of the world's first large scale power plant to produce alternating electric current. Built in 1895, the building was 450 feet by 100 feet. The only remaining structures of the power plant are this arch and the transformer house. The arch was moved to Goal Island and was dedicated in 1967.
18. NFNY_071022_453.JPG: Terrapin Point: Terrapin Point's name comes from the Terrapin Rocks that were once part of the Horseshoe Falls. The rocks resembled a terrapin, or common North American freshwater or tidewater turtle. In 1829, a wooden walkway was built out of the brink of the falls. From 1833 to 1873, a stone tower stood at the end of the walkway, providing visitors with a unique view of the falls and the Niagara Gorge. In 1954-55, during the deepening of the flanks of the Horseshoe Falls, Terrapin Rocks were covered with fill in order to create the present observation area. In the early 1970s, cracks were discovered near the edge of Terrapin Point and it was closed to the public. On July 8, 1983, after years of study, a series of closely timed blasts peeled away the tip of Terrapin Point, stabilizing the area. The park reopened a few months later, safe once again for visitors. To produce hydroelectric power, water above the falls is diverted. When this occurs, the falls' height and volume change. The average flow of water over the Horseshoe Falls during daylight hours between May and November is 675,000 gallons/second (2,555,145 liters/second). During nighttime and the remaining months, much more water is diverted from the upper river to produce additional hydroelectrical power. The height of the Horseshoe Falls varied from 170-180 feet (52-55 meters). The falls have a crest line of about 2,500 feet (763 meters) and a flank-to-flank width of about 1,000 feet (305 meters).
19. NFNY_071022_455.JPG: The Horseshoe Falls in Art and "Drama": The Horseshoe Falls has inspired many people throughout history. Hundreds of artists have attempted to express the majesty and power of the falls. Perhaps the most famous depiction of the Horseshoe Falls is the 1857 painting by Frederick Edwin Church, a work that many feel captures the essence of the falls. On October 24, 1901, Anna Edison Taylor, a 63-year-old widow and teacher from Bay City, Michigan, became the first person to go over the falls; this was done in a crude wooden barrel of her own design. Although she performed the stunt to gain financial security in her senior years, she died destitute. Many others have attempted this feat. A few of them lost their lives, and others narrowly escaped. It is now illegal to perform these stunts on both sides of the border. The Horseshoe Falls has been the scene of both tragedies and narrow escapes. The most noted event has been referred to as the "Miracle of Niagara." On July 9, 1950, a small boat in the upper Niagara River drew too close to the Horseshoe Rapids and was overturned by the swift current. Its three occupants were thrown into the rushing water. Roger Woodward, 7 years old, wearing nothing more than a bathing suit and life preserver, went over the falls and miraculously survived! Two men recused his sister, Deanne, near the brink of the falls. Unfortunately, the boat's owner, James Honeycutt, was swept over the falls to his death.
20. NFNY_071022_548.JPG: Man-made barrier to keep the water away from the viewing platform
21. NFNY_071022_582.JPG: In the distance are the entry gates for the water to go into the power-generating facilities on the Canadian side.
22. NFNY_071022_648.JPG: Three Sisters Islands: These picturesque islands have also been known as the "Moss Islands" because fine growths of moss once covered their rocks. The smooth surfaces of the rocks and the great number of potholes are clues that these islands were once submerged beneath the rapids. In recent years, the islands have increased in size because of the diversion of water upriver for the hydroelectric power plant. The Three Sisters Islands were named for the daughters of Parkhurst Whitney, a local business and a decorated War of 1812 veteran. In the spring of 1816, when ice jams in the shallow rapids created natural bridges between the islands, Whitney took his three daughters on a walk out to the farthest island. Whitney was so proud of the success of their adventure that he convinced Augustus Porter, the islands' new owner, to name them after his daughters. The nearest was named Asenath, the next, Angeline, and the farthest, Celinda Eliza. The island adjacent to Celinda Eliza is called "Little Brother," after the Whitney daughters' brother Solon. In 1829, Francis Abbott, a young Englishman, came to Niagara Falls on a visit and was so taken by the beauty of the area that he decided to stay. He took up residence in a small cabin on the mainland close to the American Falls. There he lived as a hermit, spending his days writing and painting. Abbott often bathed in the cascade between Goat Island and Asenath Island, thus its name, "Hermit's Cascade."
23. NFNY_071022_745.JPG: Goat Island Wildlife: The animals on Goat Island consist mostly of small mammals and birds. Mammals such as the eastern chipmunk, raccoon, and eastern gray and fox squirrels are commonplace. Some of the eastern gray squirrels are black due to a higher concentration of the brownish-black pigment, melanin, in their skins. Orioles, chickadees, cardinals, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and a variety of warblers and sparrows inhabit Goat Island. Birds of prey on the island and gorge cliff face include the red-tailed hawk, cooper's hawk, and more recently, the peregrine falcon. Wildlife depends on the natural environment for shelter and a source of food. Feeding wildlife is discouraged, as the animals become increasingly dependent on foods with low nutritional value. In waterfowl species, animal and exceed food waste cause water quality problems. This waste greatly increased bacteria levels that can lead to outbreaks of disease such as avian cholera and botulism. These diseases may cause massive die-offs in crowded animal populations. With this in mind, please do not feed the wildlife! Goat Island is a wonderful place to view the falls and enjoy the quiet contemplation of nature. As you stroll along the trial in the woods and along the shoreline paths, please remember that all wildlife in the park is protected, and should not be handled or harmed.
24. NFNY_071022_752.JPG: Carriage House
25. NFNY_071022_790.JPG: These are the lights the light the American rapids at night
AAA "Gem": AAA considers this location to be a "must see" point of interest. To see pictures of other areas that AAA considers to be Gems, click here.
Wikipedia Description: Niagara Falls
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Niagara Falls (French: les Chutes du Niagara) is a set of massive waterfalls located on the Niagara River, straddling the international border separating the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York. The falls are located 17 miles (27 km) north-northwest of Buffalo, New York, 75 miles (120 km) south-southeast of Toronto, Ontario, between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York.

Niagara Falls is composed of two major sections separated by Goat Island: Horseshoe Falls, on the Canadian side of the border and American Falls on the United States side. The smaller Bridal Veil Falls also is located on the American side, separated from the main falls by Luna Island. Niagara Falls were formed when glaciers receded at the end of the Wisconsin glaciation (the last ice age), and water from the newly-formed Great Lakes carved a path through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean. While not exceptionally high, the Niagara Falls are very wide. More than six million cubic feet (168,000 m�) of water fall over the crest line every minute in high flow, and almost 4 million cubic feet (110,000 m�) on average. It is the most powerful waterfall in North America.

The Niagara Falls are renowned both for their beauty and as a valuable source of hydroelectric power. Managing the balance between recreational, commercial, and industrial uses has been a challenge for the stewards of the falls since the 1800s.
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