Amoskeag Falls, a majestic 50-foot waterfall consisting of several cascades, graces the landscape of Manchester, New Hampshire. This natural wonder has a rich history, its significance dating back to a time when the falls resounded with the roar of rushing waters, audible for miles around. During the spring, as the snow from the White Mountains and the Lakes Region melted and flowed into the Merrimack River, Amoskeag Falls became a focal point of vital importance.

For Native Americans, this site held great significance. The falls were a prime location for fishing, where plentiful migrating sturgeon, alewife, and salmon could be caught in the energetic rapids. Natives employed enormous nets, strategically placed across the river, to capture these fish. In close proximity to the falls, native communities thrived, particularly on the steep cliffs overlooking the river's eastern side. The word "Amoskeag" finds its origins in the Pennacook language, with "Namoskeag" translating to "good fishing place."

In 1807, Samuel Blodgett initiated the development of a canal and lock system on the river, aiding vessels in navigating around the falls and facilitating the area's growth. The establishment of Amoskeag Manufacturing in 1831 marked a significant milestone. Founded by a group of affluent Bostonians who had already erected mills in Lowell and Waltham, the company embarked on extensive development on the river's east side. Occupying a vast 15,000-acre expanse, they constructed a mile-long series of textile mills, including the world's largest manufacturing factory. This expansion also brought forth churches, parks, and six blocks of boarding houses.

By 1912, the Amoskeag Mills were producing an astonishing amount of textiles daily, capable of stretching 471 miles. These mills played a pivotal role in textile manufacturing, supplying fabric for the original Levi's jeans and Civil War uniforms. Until 1880, water served as the mills' sole source of power, but by 1896, electricity took precedence. In 1922, the mills faced a nine-month strike, followed by another in 1934. Ultimately, Amoskeag Manufacturing succumbed to bankruptcy in 1935, primarily due to the emergence of rayon as a competitor and the devastating impact of the Great Depression. The Amoskeag Dam was later acquired by the Public Service Company of New Hampshire, now generating electricity capable of powering 1,200 to 1,600 residences.

Today, Amoskeag Falls continues to captivate with its beauty and the soothing sounds of rushing waters. Although the water flow may vary, it often remains robust, thanks to the Merrimack River, a major waterway in New Hampshire that maintains its strength year-round.

Visitors to Amoskeag Falls will find ample parking spaces near the Amoskeag Falls Dam, conveniently located just off Canal Street in Manchester, with no parking fees to worry about. It's a place where history and natural splendor converge, inviting all to marvel at its enduring grandeur.