The history of this site on the Red Lake River dates back to
when this area marked the location of a series of rapids.
Paddlewheel steamboats traveled from the settlement here, east to
Red Lake but were not able to continue west to the Red River
because of the rapids. In 1896, a water-powered lumber mill and dam
were built to process the logs cut from the great stands of red and
white pines once covering the land to the east. Around 1906, a
water powered flour mill was also built on the opposite shore.
Check out the photo below to see how the view looked in 1910.
A series of replacement dams, originally wood, later stone, and
then concrete were constructed over the years. You can still see
part of one of the former structures upstream from the present dam
location, standing as a lone pillar in the present mill pond. The
spillways of these dams are the source of the "falls" in the town's
name.
Portions of the ornate brick power house visible across the
river date back to the 1920’s. The original water turbines housed
there are still capable of generating electric power. They are no
longer a primary source of electricity but have been used in
emergencies as a back-up. We think it would be a great candidate
for a National Landmark. Sadly the powerhouse is not open to
visitors but the dam walkway is open and makes for a nice side
trip.
The cache is smaller but not micro in size. Original contents
include a log book, pencil, arrowhead, Apache tear, minature lock
and key, and a FTF dollar. Happy hunting and keep on caching.