The hamlet was originally known as Haines Corners, but when the US Post Office opened in 1883, it was named for the waterfall at the top of Kaaterskill Clove. Samuel P. Scott was the first postmaster. Because the hamlet sat at the top of the steep clove on the turnpike, it was a natural place to stop and let the horses rest. Hotels, large and small, inns and taverns lined the turnpike all the way to Hunter in the late 1800's.