Flood rock explosion at Hell Gate on October 10, 1885.
The waters, like wild beasts, circle their confines, impatient for the chance to escape.
This flow continues for hours, building up to a high tide along the East River shore.
At ebb tide the process was reversed, but no less confusing.
As the harbor of New York expanded, merchants petitioned Congress to make Hell Gate safer for navigation.
It was suggested that a canal be built through nearby Hallet’s Point bypassing Hell Gate altogether.
Mailleferts efforts almost totally eliminated the straits whirlpool and eased the tide flows.
Even Congress was pleased with the results and chipped in with $20,000.
But the Civil War brought work to a halt.
Hell Gate channel in 1871.
Blasting continued for nine more years, culminating with another spectacular detonation on October 10, 1885.
The event was viewed by 50,000 spectators.
A sickening jar was felt on land, and seconds later waves lapped the shores.
The greatest single explosion ever produced by man was over.
Flood rock explosion on October 10, 1885.
The wharves of East River slipped into decay until the area was finally rehabilitated in the mid-1960s.
References:#The Conquest of Hell Gate# Hell Gate,The Engines of Our Ingenuity
