Amoskeag Falls facts for kids
The Amoskeag Falls are a set of waterfalls located in Manchester, New Hampshire, right on the Merrimack River. These falls have played a huge role in the history of the area, from being a vital fishing spot for Native Americans to powering big factories in the past.
History of Amoskeag Falls
The name "Amoskeag" comes from the Pennacook people's word "Namoskeag." This word means something like "good fishing place." And it was! The Merrimack River drops about 50 feet (15 meters) here.
Native American tribes from the region loved to visit Amoskeag Falls. This was because lots of fish, like sturgeon, alewife, and salmon, would swim upstream to lay their eggs. It was easy to catch these fish in the fast-moving water. People often used large nets stretched across the river to catch them. Important Native American villages were built near the falls, especially on the high ground overlooking the east side of the river.
Later, in 1807, a man named Samuel Blodgett started building a canal and lock system here. This helped boats get around the falls. It also opened up the area for new businesses and growth. Soon, the powerful water from the falls was used to create water power. This power helped Manchester grow into a big industrial city in the 1800s. The most famous company to use this power was the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company.
Why the Name "Amoskeag" Is Used
Because the falls were so important to Manchester's history, many local businesses and places have used the name "Amoskeag."
For example:
- The Amoskeag Manufacturing Company was a huge textile company. It ran most of Manchester's fabric mills using power from the falls. The company faced difficult economic times and worker disagreements, eventually closing in 1935.
- The Amoskeag Locomotive Works was a part of the manufacturing company. It built early fire trucks and train cars.
- The Amoskeag Fishways is an environmental education center. It's located right at the Amoskeag Falls and teaches people about the river and its fish.
