Prestwick Chase hosts lectures on water ways of New York State. Todays lecture was on the construction of Spier Falls Dam. Built between the years of 1900-1903 it was the 4th largest dam in the world at its opening. The goal was to build a dam capable of harnessing the power of the Hudson River. The dam measured 1570 feet long, 157 feet high, and was equal to a 15 story building. Taking 3 years to build, upon its opening it was the number 1 dam in the world in 1903 for producing electrical power. The name of the dam came from William Spier, a local millionaire who donated a 100,000 dollar check to help see the project to its finish. As a result of his donation, the dam received his name.
