Genesee Falls in Wyoming County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Heart of Letchworth

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, October 10, 2026

1. The Heart of Letchworth Marker

The lower right area of the panel has no history information; not transcribed.

Inscription. Here, close to the Upper and Middle Falls, you stand in a place whose beauty was rescued by William Pryor Letchworth from the devastating effects of lumbering. In the 1850s, the nearby hills were covered with tree stumps, and sawmills blocked the river views. Shortly after Letchworth purchased the property, he hired local residents to clear away the debris from a lumbering and milling operation, allowing nature to begin the lengthy healing process.

Rising from mists of the 70-foot-tall Upper Falls and the 107-foot-tall Middle Falls are the Rainbows that inspired the name “Glen Iris” after the Greek goddess of rainbows. The Seneca call this area She-ga-hun-da, meaning vale of the three falls. They believe that the sun pauses at mid-day here to enjoy the view. William Pryor Letchworth fell in love with this area at first sight in 1858. Thanks to his vision and generosity, over 750,000 visitors continue to fall in love with the park each year.

Middle Falls. Photographer John Thomas. Mills at Middle Falls. Prior to the Civil War, river-powered sawmills cut the trees from the surrounding hills into lumber. A reminder of the

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Age of ice that shaped the landscape is seen in the landslide zone across the river. Here, another river flowed between the advanced of ice, on a diagonal to the present course. Filled in by the next forward movement of the glacier, the loose earth started sliding when the Genesee Valley Canal was being dug and has not stopped since. At the base of the Middle Falls is a hole in the cliff wall. This cave, known as “Devil’s Oven,” was created by the river as it flowed over the cliff where viewfinders stand today. Today the cave is inaccessible. The Glen Iris Inn, “the beautiful home of a beautiful heart,” continues to welcome visitors as it did during William Pryor Letchworth’s residence.

Erected by Letchworth State Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 42° 35.005′ N, 78° 2.62′ W. Marker is in Genesee Falls, New York, in Wyoming County. It is on Middle Falls Park Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is one

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, October 10, 2026

2. The Heart of Letchworth Marker

of three roofed panels at the Middle Falls parking area, opposite a restroom building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Castile NY 14427, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York,

specifically in Western New York,

and in the Finger Lakes.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Welcome to Letchworth State Park (here, next to this marker); In Grateful Memory of William Pryor Letchworth (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Iroquois Clans (approx. 0.2 miles away); This Ancient Seneca Council House (approx. 0.2 miles away); To the Memory of Mary Jemison (approx. 0.2 miles away); Welcome to the Seneca Council Grounds (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Council Grounds Ca. 1907...and Under Restoration

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Mary Jemison (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Genesee Falls.

More about this marker. The full length panel on the opposite side is Welcome to Letchworth Park.

Also see . . .
1. William Pryor Letchworth - Wikipedia. (Submitted on October 11, 2026, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
2. Letchworth State Park - New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. (Submitted on October 11, 2026, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
3. Letchworth State Park - National Archives, National Register of Historic Places documents. (Submitted on October 11, 2026, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2026, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 11, 2026, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.