Thomas Vincent Welch | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the New York State Assembly | |
| In office January 1, 1882 – December 31, 1884 | |
| Preceded by | James Low |
| Succeeded by | Walter P. Horne |
| Superintendent of the State Reservation at Niagara | |
| In office 1885–1903 | |
| Supervisor of the Town of Niagara | |
| In office 1877–1878 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 1, 1850 Camillus, New York |
| Died | October 20, 1903 (aged 53) Niagara Falls, New York |
| Political party | Democrat (1882–1903) |
| Spouse | Anna Gill |
| Occupation | Statesman, conservationist, civil servant |
Thomas Vincent Welch (October 1, 1850 – October 20, 1903) was a New York State Assemblyman and served as the first Superintendent of the New York State Reservation at Niagara, holding the post for 18 years. As a member of the New York State Assembly, Welch was a key player in the efforts to acquire the lands adjoining Niagara Falls, and to make them free for all to view.
Niagara Falls, New York was not always as we know it today. In the mid-19th century, heavy industries and mills crowded the shoreline near the falls, in order to take advantage of free power. These mills charged fees for visitors to view the falls, which were largely obstructed.[1] A group of concerned citizens, politicians, and architects - including T.V.Welch - started the "Free Niagara" movement. When the bill making Niagara Falls free was signed on April 30, 1885, it was the culmination of a campaign in the New York State Legislature spearheaded by Thomas V. Welch. His efforts, and those of everyone involved, are documented in a pamphlet entitled How Niagara Was Made Free,[2] which was published by the Niagara Frontier Historical Society, and in the annals of New York State.
- ^ Archer Butler Hulbert (28 September 2020). "Chapter IV, Niagara Bond and Free". The Niagara River. Library of Alexandria. pp. 95–. ISBN 978-1-4655-5655-4.
- ^ How Niagara Was Made Free, Internet Archive scanned copy