Albion Falls

Description

Albion Falls is one of Hamilton's best known waterfalls. The original land grant was to one William Davis, a plantation head who supported the British during the American Revolution. Following the British defeat, Davis left his home in North Carolina in 1792 and re-located to Canada. After being granted the waterfall and 500 acres of land that surrounded it, Davis established Albion Mills. This small settlement grew into an important community during the 19th century, featuring a grist mill, blacksmith shops, taverns, a church and a general store. In 1880, its name was changed to Mount Albion.

Albion Falls has been the site of a number of tragedies:

The aforementioned mill operated until 1907, when Robert Grassie, the then owner, fell into the wheel pit and was killed. Following the accident, the mill never ran again.

One famous event in the 19th Century involved a young woman named Jane Reilly, who threw herself down the 30m drop into the river after her lover, Joseph Rousseau, rejected her. The point from which she jumped has since been called "Lover's Leap".

A poet named Slater commemorated the event in verse:

Alas, poor Jane Riley
for Joseph she did die
By jumping off that dizzy brink
full sixty cubits high

Joseph’s mother, who may have been instrumental in the breakup of the couple, allegedly said afterward, “Let the blame rest on my shoulders.” Years later, she suddenly screamed, “Jane’s hand is on my shoulder!” Although in good health up to that point, she collapsed to the floor and died.

Evelyn Dick dumped the headless remains of her husband, John, in the area in March 1946.

sources:
Wikipedia
City of Waterfalls

Imagery