Cooper’s Cave

Cooper’s Cave. Glens Falls - The Island and the Bridge. , "Glenn's Falls are on the Hudson, some forty or fifty miles above the head of tide.... The description of this picturesque and remarkable little cataract, as given by [Hawkeye], is sufficiently correct, though the application of the water to the uses of civilized life has materially injured its beauties. The rocky island and the two caverns are well known to every traveller, since the former sustains a pier of a bridge, which is now thrown across the river, immediately above the fall." , Author's Footnote, Chapter 6, The Last of the Mohicans, Bridges From its original settlement by John Glen, Glens Falls has been a mill town, using the rapids and waterfall for a wide variety of industrial applications. , One bridge has succeeded another since long before Cooper's visit in 1824. The scene of unspoiled wilderness he described in The Last of the Mohicans came from his imagination-not what he actually saw., Cooper's Cave Moreover, the caves that Cooper describes so vividly have changed constantly over the years, as flowing water during times of flood have carved and recarved the passages in the rock of the island. The Cooper's Cave of 1824 - described in the novel - differed from whatever really existed in 1757, the year in which the novel is set., Access to the Island For many years, a set of dilapidated wooden steps led to the upper part of the island, providing access for the many visitors who wished to visit Cooper's cave. , About 1903, they were replaced with iron steps. , When the modern viaduct was built in 1913, replacing the old iron bridge, a circular staircase was included leading down to the island. This means of access continued until 1961, when the staircase was removed., Access Restored With the construction of this walkway and viewing platform, tourists and lovers of Cooper's novel may again visit the place that has made Glens Falls famous throughout the world.