The Falls

Title: St. Anthony Falls, East Side
Type: Photograph
Date: 1865
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Description: Photograph of the east side of St. Anthony Falls showing a sawmill in the foreground and the Winslow House in the upper left.

Activities:

1. The building in the upper left of this photograph is the Winslow House Hotel, which was designed for wealthy travelers. Why would you build a hotel near a waterfall?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: Hotels were built overlooking the Falls for the scenic view and also because many travelers came to dobusiness with industries at the Falls.
2. Looking at this picture, what can you tell about the status of the Falls at this time?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: The apron has not been built yet, so the Falls are still receding.
3. What in the picture shows you that a lot of power is being generated by the Falls?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: The churning white water at the bottom of the Falls suggests that the water is falling rapidly and forcefully.
4. From what you have already seen, what would be the pros and cons of building an apron over a waterfall?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: An apron preserves the waterpower, but the Falls themselves lose their natural beauty.