Mishawaka in St. Joseph County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

First Dam Across The St. Joseph River / Power Race

Photographed By Dave Zollinger, April 21, 2012

1. First Dam Across The St. Joseph River / Power Race Marker

Inscription.
First Dam Across The St. Joseph River
The original dam, providing power for which Mishawaka was noted, was completed in 1837. It was 577 feet long, 24 feet thick and cost $38,000.00.

Power Race
Along this race, providing water power, and along its counterpart across the river, early Mishawaka factories were located. These industries produced flour, lumber, woolen goods, iron, boots, shoes, furniture, coffins, barrel staves, saddles and harness, and wagons, valued at many hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. (Marker Number 71.1968.1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.

Location. 41° 39.752′ N, 86° 10.676′ W. Marker is in Mishawaka, Indiana, in St. Joseph County. Marker is on N. Race Street, 0.1 miles north of E. First Street when traveling north. Marker is located along Mishawaka River Walk. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mishawaka IN 46544, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mishawaka Fish Ladder (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Perkins Windmill (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Mishawaka Academic and Normal Institute

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(approx. 0.3 miles away); Ball-Band Factory (approx. 0.3 miles away); Dodge Manufacturing Company (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mishawaka Civil War Soldiers Monument (approx. half a mile away); Battell Park (approx. 0.6 miles away); Kamm & Schellinger Brewery (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mishawaka.

More about this marker. Park along N. Race Street at the rear of the Mishawaka Police Department and take the Mishawaka River Walk to the marker. The marker is visible when looking north from N. Race Street (dead end street).

Also see . . . Mishawaka Riverwalk. City of Mishawaka website entry (Submitted on April 22, 2012, by Dave Zollinger of Goshen, Indiana.)

Photographed By Dave Zollinger, April 21, 2012

2. First Dam Across The St. Joseph River / Power Race Marker

Photographed By Dave Zollinger, April 21, 2012

3. First Dam Across The St. Joseph River / Power Race Marker

Looking north from intersection of N. Race Street / E. First Street. Marker is visible in the background. Enter the Mishawaka Riverwalk to the left of the utility pole. The Mishawaka Police Department parking lot is to the extreme left, just outside the photo.

Photographed By Dave Zollinger, April 21, 2012

4. First Dam Across The St. Joseph River / Power Race Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2012, by Dave Zollinger of Goshen, Indiana. This page has been viewed 712 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 22, 2012, by Dave Zollinger of Goshen, Indiana. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.