Dams and Waterfalls

Dams and Waterfalls. The Chuctanunda Creek Trail. , Log dams helped the homespun industries suspend the flow of Chuctanunda. There were at least seven dams identified on the lower Chuctanunda Creek. The dam at Shuttleworth Park was put in for recreational use, while all the others regulated the Chuctanunda to control its flow for industry use. The dams stored up reserves for use in times of low water and increased the power available to the factories. Some dams created acres of ponds, which have since been filled in and built over., Originally, this flow would be channeled against vertical water wheels, then water would be returned to the creek, but later horizontal turbines proved more efficient. The rotation of the wheel was transferred to machinery through a series of gears, pulleys and belts. Water would also be withdrawn for heating, cooling, cleaning and dying textiles, and later, generating steam power., Excess water flowed over the top of the dams, creating waterfalls similar to the natural waterfalls along the trail closer to the Mohawk River. Swirling waters containing harder rock fragments scoured the streambed carving out pot holes known as "Pitted Rocks." Bathtub-sized holes can be seen at the dam just north of here., [ Lower Inset ] , Quarries , Numerous quarries were located near the banks of the Chuctanunda. Stone (primarily limestone) cut from them was used not only for local building, but also for the improved and enlarged (second) Erie Canal and the State Capitol. Local stone was often only partially finished before use., Limestone was also fired in nearby kilns to produce quicklime, used for fertilizer, and to make mortar, cement, and glass - even theatrical lighting (hence "In the limelight")., [ Photo Captions: ] , - Dam near former Kellogs and Miller Linseed plant, - The Pitted Rocks, Chuctanunda Creek, Amsterdam, N.Y., - Typical water power belt driven machinery inside a mill.