The Transformation of the Escarpment

Because I didn't go down to the waterfront this morning, the picture below shows the escarpment and the application of the shotcrete as it was on the morning of April 19. Since this picture was taken, the application of the shotcrete, seen here to the left of the truck, has undoubtedly progressed farther to the right. 

I could not help but think about the shotcrete last night, when, while researching another project, I came upon, as I have many times, this description of the view of Promenade Hill from the river in Franklin Ellis's History of Columbia County. Ellis was writing in 1878, soon after the fence had been installed along the western edge of the parade.

Along the entire river-front and southern end there has been completed a solid wall, commencing low enough to secure a firm foundation, and rising to a level with the grade, above which it is surmounted by a strong and handsome iron fence. When we approach the city by the river from the south, this fence is not at first seen, but the hill, standing boldly out to the river, with its towering flag-staff, and its steep escarpment crowned by the rampart-like wall, looks much like a fortification, and forms one of the most salient features in the city's outline.

One of our most salient features now has a patina of artificiality. 
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