Conewago Falls facts for kids
Conewago Falls was a historic area on the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It was a wide spot where the river dropped about 19 feet over a short distance. Today, these falls are hidden underwater, covered by a large dam.
Contents
What Were Conewago Falls?
Conewago Falls was a natural barrier in the Susquehanna River. It was located about 12 miles south of Harrisburg. The river here was very wide, stretching about 8,000 feet across. Over a quarter of a mile, the water dropped quickly by 19 feet. This made it a challenging spot for anyone trying to travel by boat.
Where Were They Located?
The falls were found along the lower part of the Susquehanna River. They were on both sides of Three Mile Island. The part of the falls between the west river bank and the west side of the island is now underwater.
Why Were They Important?
Conewago Falls played a big role in the history of the Susquehanna River. For a long time, it was a natural obstacle that affected travel and trade.
A Natural Barrier
The falls made it impossible for large boats or ships to travel up the Susquehanna River. This meant that goods could not be easily transported by water from places like Baltimore or the Chesapeake Bay. The falls acted like a natural wall, stopping river travel.
Native American Travel
Long ago, Native Americans used to travel along the Susquehanna River. Tribes like the Susquehannock, and later the Iroquois and Lenape, used elm bark canoes. When they reached Conewago Falls, they would have to carry their canoes and goods around the falls. This process is called "portaging." They did this to travel between their towns upriver and the oyster beds in the Chesapeake Bay.
The York Haven Dam and Today
The Conewago Falls no longer look like they once did. In 1904, the York Haven Dam was completed. This dam was built to create hydroelectric power. For a time, it was the third largest dam in the world. The construction of this dam caused the falls to be covered by water on purpose. Today, the area where the falls once were is part of the Frederic Lake reservoir. The falls are now hidden beneath the water along the west side of Three Mile Island.
