Lake Solitude Dam and Waterfall

Lake Solitude Dam (also known as the Taylor Dam) was constructed in 1858 across the South Branch of the Raritan River to provide hydro-power and hydro-electric power to Taylor Iron and Steel Company.
The original falls structure (spillway) was referred to as a "crib" dam. This crib dam was replaced in 1909 with the current spillway structure which is 175 feet wide and 40 feet tall and is known as a stone buttress dam.

The dam structure designed by NJ Engineer Col. Frank Tainter is the earliest example of a steel reinforced dam and the last remaining example of a buttress dam in the state of New Jersey.