Niagara Falls in Niagara County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
World's First Hydroelectric Power Plant
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, May 31, 2014
1. World's First Hydroelectric Power Plant Marker
This is the original arch entrance to the Adams Station, the world's first hydroelectric power plant. Electric power, its transmission in commercial quantities to remote distances, the design and building of the first large electrical equipment- all started with the completion of the Adams Station in 1895 at Niagara Falls. Its entrance was re-erected on this site in 1966 to commemorate the tremendous impact which the generation of electric power at the Adams Station gave to civilization throughout the world. This arch dedicated 1967 by Nelson A. Rockefeller, Governor.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location. 43° 4.905′ N, 79° 4.262′ W. Marker is in Niagara Falls, New York, in Niagara County. It can be reached from Goat Island Road. The marker is located on the Power Portal arch at the north edge of the Goat Island Parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Niagara Falls NY 14303, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York,
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Power Portal (here, next to this marker); Original Stepping Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); Cave of the Winds Elevator (within shouting distance of this marker); Niagara River Corridor Important Bird Area (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cave of the Winds and Bridal Veil Falls (about 400 feet away); The Cave of the Winds (about 400 feet away); Goat Island (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Nikola Tesla (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niagara Falls.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Power of Niagara
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, May 31, 2014
2. Power Portal Plaque
More about this marker. Goat Island is paid parking. There are separate vehicle and pedestrian bridges to the island.
Regarding World's First Hydroelectric Power Plant. There are other tablets on the Power Portal arch pictured on this panel.
Text of The Power Portal Plaque: The construction of larger and more efficient electric generating stations at Niagara made the original Adams Plant obsolete. It has been demolished. The main entrance to this first powerhouse with the legended Indian medallion by Frederick McMonnies in the fan arch above the doorway was taken down piece by piece and re-erected here. The cost of materials was met by subscription from interested corporations, individuals and associations. The site was made available by the Niagara Frontier State Park Commission. On a voluntary basis, the Builders' Association of Niagara Falls furnished equipment and administration. Perhaps the greatest contribution was the individual members of the Niagara Falls Building
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, May 31, 2014
3. Power Portal Committee Plaque
Lists the contributors for the Power Portal memorial.
Text of Birth of Hydro Electric Power tablet: To the engineers, financiers, scientists, whose genius, courage and industry made possible here the birth of hydro electric power and created the first five thousand horse power water turbines directly connected to alternating current generators and inaugurated in America long distance transmission of power by electricity. Erected by The Niagara Falls Power Company MCMXXIV. This tablet replaces the original which was lost. 1966.
Text of Adams Hydro Electric Power Station plaque: Edward Dean Adams Hydro-Electric Power Station Number One. Inaugurated August 26, 1895 by The Niagara Falls Power Company.
The Tesla statue was a gift from Yugoslavia for America's Bicentennial.
Also see . . . Adams Power Plant Transformer House - Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 10, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, May 31, 2014
4. Birth of Hydo Electric Power
A Recreated Tablet
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, May 31, 2014
5. Adams Hydro-Electric Power Station Plaque
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, May 31, 2014
6. Back of Power Portal
View from the parking lot which is being reconstructed.
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, May 31, 2014
7. Front of Power Portal
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, May 31, 2014
8. Front of Power Portal and Tesla Statue
Statue has since been relocated to an overlook near the Cave of the Winds and the stairs to Luna Island.
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, May 31, 2014
9. Wedge View Tesla Statue and Power Portal
Statue has since been relocated to an overlook near the Cave of the Winds and the stairs to Luna Island.
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, May 31, 2014
10. Tesla Statue Side View
Photographed by Craig Doda, April 9, 2023
11. World's First Hydroelectric Power Plant reconstruction datestone
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, May 31, 2014
12. Tesla Statue Plaque
On the base used for the statue, at the rear.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 1,682 times since then and 115 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 9, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on June 10, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. 11. submitted on April 16, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 12. submitted on June 10, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
