The gardens were the creation of James Delmage (J.D.) Ross, Seattle City Light's second superintendent. J.D., the son of a Scottish horticulturist, combined his love of plants with his interest in electricity. Beginning in 1925, J.D. Ross created a wonderland garden surrounding the Gorge Powerhouse for visitor enjoyment and entertainment.
Public tours of the Skagit Project began in 1922. The first public tour, originating in Seattle, was a three-day event involving automobiles, trains and boats. Ladder Creek Falls and Gardens became a highlight of the tour, showcasing the wonders of electricity. Tropical vegetation was planted and pools were added as special design features and stocked with trout and goldfish. A zoo built in nearby Diablo provided the exotic wildlife for the garden.
The garden has changed over the years and the exotic flora has been replaced with vegetation better adapted to the climate. Most of the historic framework remains. The Gardens are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and Seattle City Light is preserving this important piece of Northwest history.

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Show me all markers in:  Rockport, WA  |  Whatcom County  |  98283  |  Washington  |  United States of America

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Lighting of the Falls
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Safety Follows Wisdom

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