Wisconsin Dells in Columbia County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Kilbourn Dam

Harnessing the River

By Barry Swackhamer, September 6, 2020

1. The Kilbourn Dam Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

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.

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

By Barry Swackhamer, September 6, 2020

2. The Kilbourn Dam Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); River Excursions (within shouting distance of this marker); The Railroads (within shouting distance of this marker); George H. Crandall (within shouting distance of this marker); Kilbourn City (within shouting distance of this marker); Alexander Mitchell Steamboat Anchor (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); History of the Wisconsin Dells (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wisconsin Dells.

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."

The Kilbourn Dam image. Click for full size.

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 32 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 2, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.