This blog entry will be focusing on a bit of the architecture and history of Almonte. (Location) Although a few photos of the Mississippi River and the Great Falls are included in this post, please refer to previous blog entries if you are interested in seeing the river and Great Falls in more detail and completeness. Great Falls – Lower Section – Upper Section
The Mississippi River has played an important role in the history of Almonte, providing as it did the gravitational power of the river’s 60+ foot plunge over layered bedrock which was harnessed to operate a number of woollen and grist mills in the area. The river’s water later turned power turbines for electrical power generation. Although the grist mills and woollen mills are no longer in operation, electrical power generation at the location of the Great Falls has been upgraded and expanded recently to better service modern electricity demands.
To their credit, the town of Almonte maintains a wonderful Riverwalk that allows tourists and residents to walk alongside the river and beside the cascading Great Falls. Of Course, that is also a blessing for photographers since many beautiful views of the falls and river are available for photographing without the need of trespassing on private lands or climbing fences or other physical obstacles commonly in place near other examples of natural beauty.
