How Glens Falls, NY got its name
Glens Falls, New York is named after a waterfall on the Hudson River that doesn't exist. This waterfall used to exist but a dam was built directly above it to divert the water for mills and factories. Now, there are two hydro-electric power plants using water from the river. The Finch Pruyn and Company Inc. Hydro generating plant is on the north side of the river and the South Glens Falls Hydroelectric Facility is on the other. A bridge carries the road over the Hudson River directly downstream of the dam. You can also take a short road to the base of the dam and walk out to Cooper's Cave Overlook. You can't really see the cave, but it is supposed to be the inspiration for a hiding place in The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper.