Shoshone Falls, Snake River, Idaho, mid-day view, adjacent walls about 1000 feet in height

O'Sullivan, Timothy H., 1840-1882 · [1874]

Descriptive legend of view no. 22: In the heart of our western territory are the Shoshone (Snake) Falls, a cataract which, in the height of its precipice and the grandeur of its surrounding scenery, is superior to Niagara, being excelled by the latter only in the width and volume of the river which falls. As yet this spot has been visited by only a few persons, such as explorers, miners, and soldiers; but without doubt it is destined to become, in time, a favorite place of summer resort for the tourist and artist. Its position is 117 miles northwest of Kelton, Utah, from which railway station a stage is dispatched daily to the settlements in Oregon and northern Idaho. The route of these stages passes within 8 miles of the falls, and, at the nearest point of approach, a rude station has been established at which the hardy traveler finds subsistence during his stay. The accompanying picture affords excellent opportunity for the geological study of the cañon wall in the background, which rises perpendicularly 1,000 feet from the water. At the left of the view there will be observed a horizontal seam which cuts the cliff at an altitude of about 700 feet. This is the suture which marks the junction of the black basalt above and the greenish-blue trachyte underneath.