Beginning in 1840 work began in the village of Niagara Falls digging a “hydraulic canal” running from Port Day (in the general area of our Micro #1.9.1) to the gorge edge at this location. The canal work was halted and resumed many times due to financial constraints, until 1877 when a buffalo tanner, Jacob Schoellkopf, purchased the canal and all riparian (riverfront) rights for $76,000. Under his guidance the canal was finally completed.
By design, water was drawn off the Niagara River above Goat Island, crossed through the city via the canal, and terminated at a man made embayment (harbor) at the cliff edge. From here the flow was diverted to mills and would then fall some 210 feet to the gorge below. In its course the mills harnessed the motive force to power their needs via belts and shafts, some using the “full head” of waterpower. Many industries were served, including the Pittsburg Reduction Company (later to become the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA)). Remnants of this plant’s retaining wall still exist at the cliff edge.
In 1881 Charles Brush of Ohio arrived with 16 “electric carbon arc lights” to illuminate the Falls and vicinity, powered by the nearby Schoellkopf works. In 1882 Schoellkopf built a small powerhouse and using a Brush generator powered these lights using the newly understood “direct current electricity”, arguably the first hydroelectric generating facility was thus born. In 1895 Schoellkopf added a second power station, directly in front of the first - effectively “walling in” this section of the gorge.
By 1956 the 3 plants of the Niagara Mohawk Schoellkopf station were producing 275,000-kilowatt hours. In June of that year a major water leak developed behind the penstocks and despite the valiant efforts of a work crew 2 of the 3 buildings completely collapsed into the gorge. The third building was a total loss and had to be razed. Forty men narrowly escaped and three were thrown out windows into the river below. One man (the father of a local geocacher) was killed. It was “the worst disaster in the history of the Niagara region” according to the Niagara Gazette. As one eyewitness at the time summed up –
"…the roaring noise sounded like a jet flying low" … "everything seemed to be short circuited… [w]ater was shooting high in the air and flames crackled through the building. I saw a wall start to break up. It crumbled a little bit at a time and then big sections came crashing down…"
The Canadian side and steam plants supplied power in the interim. This event was the major impetus for jump starting the progress of the New York Power Authority, which had become stalled by political issues. By 1958 construction on the Robert Moses Power Plant had begun.
Today the Niagara Gorge Discovery center stands at the site, and an observation platform looms over the immediate area of the collapse. Some vintage millstones brood under the pedestrian bridge. The Discovery Center offers guided gorge tours, interpretive material, geological information, and a climbing wall near the cliffside. This is also a stop for the trolley that has replaced the Viewmobile, which offers a nice tour through Prospect Point and around Goat Island for a low price.
Cache is fairly well hidden, IS NOT OVER ANY GUARDRAIL OR RETAINING WALL. Park in the Aquarium lot and cross the footbridge over the Parkway to avoid a parking fee.
Niagara Falls – The Great Manufacturing Village of the West
Here is a power almost illimitable; constantly
Wasted, yet never diminished – constantly exerted, yet
Never exhausted-gazed upon, admired, wondered at,
But never hitherto controlled…
(From the prospectus of the Niagara Falls Hydraulic Company, 1853 - Caleb S. Woodhull, President)
Special thanks to Hike Jr., Sweet, Miss Claudia, and Nina for helping us with the hide !!
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 Cache In - Trash Out!  Bicycles permitted on paths  Accessible in Winter
 Scenic View  Bring a pencil  Historic Site |
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First to Find = hikemeister
APRIL 2020 UPDATE :
HEAVY CONSTUCTION IN AREA, YOU MAY NEED TO PARK IN AN ALTERNATE LOCATION ON WHILPOOL STREET TO ACCESS