Glen Falls (New York) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glen Falls |
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| Location | Williamsville, Erie County, NY, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 42°57′50″N 78°44′38″W / 42.964°N 78.744°W |
| Type | Cascade |
| Total height | 30 feet (9.1 m) |
| Watercourse | Ellicott Creek |
Glen Falls is a beautiful small waterfall. You can find it on Ellicott Creek in the village of Williamsville, New York. This waterfall is special because it helped the early settlers build their community.
Discover Glen Falls
Glen Falls is about 30 feet (9.1 m) tall. This drop is part of a larger natural feature. It is called the Onondaga Escarpment. This escarpment is a long, steep slope of rock. A part of it actually runs right through Williamsville. Today, the falls is on the eastern edge of Glen Park. It is a lovely spot to visit.
A Powerful Past
The strong flow of water at Glen Falls was very useful long ago. It provided hydropower. This means the moving water could create energy. This energy was perfect for running early watermills. These mills were like factories. They were used to grind grist, which is grain, into flour. They also powered sawmills to cut wood.
One of the first people to settle in Williamsville was Jonas Williams. He owned two mills. They were on opposite sides of Ellicott Creek. People started calling these mills "Williams Mills." Over time, this name changed. It became the name of the village we know today: Williamsville. So, the falls played a big part in the village's history!
Not to Be Confused!
Glen Falls has a name that sounds very much like another place. There is a city called Glens Falls. But don't mix them up! Glens Falls is in a different part of New York State. It is over 200 miles (320 km) away from Williamsville. Our Glen Falls is unique to Williamsville.
