Lockport Cave facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lockport Cave |
|
|---|---|
| Location | Lockport, NY |
| Discovery | 19th century |
| Geology | Lockport Dolomite |
| Entrances | 1 (confirmed) |
| List of entrances |
Culvert entrance, Ravine entrance, Waterfall entrance |
| Hazards | water quality concerns |
The Lockport Cave refers to two different underground areas in Lockport, New York. One is a natural cave system. It formed over a very long time in the rocks beneath the city. The other is a tunnel built by people. This tunnel was made in the 1800s to move water for factories.
Contents
What is Lockport Cave?
Lockport, New York, has two interesting underground spaces. Both are called "Lockport Cave" by different people. It is important to know the difference between them. One is a cave made by nature. The other is a tunnel made by humans.
The Natural Cave
The natural Lockport Cave formed in the ground. It is made of rock types called dolomite and limestone. These are common types of bedrock, which is the solid rock under the soil. This natural cave has been sealed off since 1889. This means no one can go inside it anymore.
Exploring the Natural Cave
People have tried to explore the natural cave in the past. There are old stories and even recent attempts to get inside. But it has been very hard to explore. The true size of this natural cave is still a mystery. Some people think it might be very large. It could even cover several square miles underground.
In 1883, a group called the Lockport Cave Company was formed. Their goal was to explore the cave and remove mud. However, they did not make much progress. They did not have enough money. Also, the cave often flooded with water. This made it very difficult to work.
The Man-Made Water Tunnel
The other "Lockport Cave" is actually a tunnel. It was built by people between 1858 and 1900. This tunnel is called a "hydraulic raceway." A raceway is a channel or tunnel that carries water. This one was built to supply water to local factories. The water powered their machines.
A Tourist Adventure Today
For many years, this man-made tunnel helped local industries. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction. It is often called "The Lockport Caves" by people who live nearby. Visitors can take a boat ride through this underground tunnel. It is known as the Lockport Cave and Underground Boat Ride. It offers a unique way to see a piece of history.
