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WHERE FICTION MEETS HISTORY!
The Village of South Glens Falls & the City of Glens Falls invite you to
visit COOPER'S CAVE on the Hudson River.
In 1825 after returning from exploring the Adirondacks
and inspired by "these dark and silent caves" in the heart of the Hudson
River, James Fenimore Cooper took pen in hand to write his most famous and
beloved novel, The Last of the Mohicans.
Nestled under the Cooper's Cave bridge, which connects
the Village of South Glens Falls and the City of Glens Falls, sits a viewing
platform adjacent to the cave, with information on James Fenimore Cooper;
and the Mohican Tribe.
As you look into the site that offered protection to the
characters in the tale, you can imaging how it inspired Cooper to write this
classic American novel of love and adventure.
The Hudson River was called Muhheakunnuk or,
"river that flows two ways" by the Mohicans for the tidal flow that forced
salt water into the river causing it to stand still, and even reverse its
flow.
Due to the mighty Hudson River, the region played a
significant role as a major route by Native Americans, British and Colonial
forces during the Revolutionary War. It is no wonder Cooper was inspired by
the romance and natural beauty of the region.
As the industrial age dawned, the timber industry
flourished and used the river to float millions of logs from the Adirondacks
during the spring runoffs to this area. The advent of the paper industry in
the latter part of the 1800's and construction of dams to generate hydro
power from the river established an important economic basis that exists
today. The factories and power plants are still in use and can be seen as
you gaze across the river from the over look.
THE STORY
After nearly two centuries, The Last of the Mohicans has
been published in almost every language and is internationally known and
beloved. And it is this novel, above all others, whose story has been most
frequently retold to the world on film. Experience the setting of this
American classic for yourself!
FREE ADMISSION
Open Memorial Day to October 31st
9am-8pm
For more information call the Village of South Glens
Falls: 518-793-1455.
Directions:
From the North:
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I-87 south to Exit 18
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Head East on Corinth Rd.
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Turn Right onto Rt. 9 South, cross bridge.
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Turn Right immediately after bridge, then
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Right again into lot
From the South:
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