Wisconsin Dells in Columbia County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Kilbourn Dam
Harnessing the River
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 6, 2020
1. The Kilbourn Dam Marker
Inscription.
The Kilbourn Dam. Harnessing the River. The year 1908 brought dramatic changes to the Wisconsin River and the Dells. After many attempts at harnessing the power of the river with smaller dams, a new high dam and hydroelectric power plant were built. The Kilbourn Dam split the river into two sections, the Upper Dells, where you stand today, and the Lower Dells. This meant large steamboats for tourists could no longer ply the entire stretch of the Dells. The dam also caused the river to rise 17 feet on the Upper Dells, concealing many of the scenic caverns and unique rock formations once captured by H.H. Bennett's camera. Bennett passionately objected to the dam's construction. The year it was built, he died. . This historical marker is in Wisconsin Dells in Columbia County Wisconsin
The year 1908 brought dramatic changes to the Wisconsin River and the Dells. After many attempts at harnessing the power of the river with smaller dams, a new high dam and hydroelectric power plant were built. The Kilbourn Dam split the river into two sections, the Upper Dells, where you stand today, and the Lower Dells. This meant large steamboats for tourists could no longer ply the entire stretch of the Dells. The dam also caused the river to rise 17 feet on the Upper Dells, concealing many of the scenic caverns and unique rock formations once captured by H.H. Bennett's camera. Bennett passionately objected to the dam's construction. The year it was built, he died.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Man-Made Features • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.
Location. 43° 37.734′ N, 89° 46.606′ W. Marker is in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in Columbia County. Marker can be reached from Broadway near Eddy Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 105 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells WI 53965, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Ho-Chunk People (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wisconsin River
More about this marker. This marker is located on the "Riverwalk." The "Riverwalk" is a public path along a portion of the Wisconsin River. Eleven makers are found along this path. Road access to the path is only available at the beginning and end of the "Riverwalk."
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 6, 2020
2. The Kilbourn Dam Marker
Wisconsin Historical Society
3. The Kilbourn Dam
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 588 times since then and 168 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on October 2, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.