Historic Hood River
Rock Pile
Notes
This Cascade Locks construction image is inscribed “1892”. When I visit the locks I always admire the rock work, and this view makes it even more impressive. Today much if the masonry is under water or hidden by vegetation. The sheer size and number of the masonry blocks is mind-boggling. I estimate that pile includes at least 100 rough shaped blocks, each roughly 6′ by 3′ by 3′. They are lifted using the steam powered crane onto carts which sit on rails so they can be moved to a site for final shaping and installation. Note the single block on a cart moving across the canal at the lock gate.
The finished structure is both massive and elegant. I think that staircase (which you can still visit) is a great example.
You can see the passageways that allow water to flow into the canal between the two lock gates. These are deep under water today.
The history of the locks is worth reading– how the effort started in the 1870s but lost interest when the railroad penetrated the Gorge in 1882, only to be reinvigorated in the 1890’s as a way to break the OR&N company monopoly on freight. That history suggests this image may be a year or two later than the 1892 date inscribed on the print.
L. E.
An amazing and beautiful piece of construction that had such a short life.
I know that some of the early settlers in the Glenwood Valley worked on this project in the late 1870’s and 1880’s. They would work for a time, then ride the steamboat up to Lyle, then walk 20 miles home for a visit.
Thorn
Amazing photo. First thing I recognized was Table Mountain, and those distinct layers accentuated by snow. But also, beyond the incredible rock work, the men pushing those massive stones on carts, the access stairs and ramps, the elegantly simply crane, and the men near the central building inspecting the work. The best thing about this project was the Columbia Cascades, begat by the Bridge of the Gods, were spared for a few more decades.