Near Pick City in Mercer County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Powerhouse
Photographed By Connor Olson, July 25, 2021
1. Powerhouse Marker
Hydroelectric power is produced
through generating units in the
Powerhouse. The generators
produce electricity at 13,800 volts
which is stepped up to 115,000 and
230,000 volts for transmission. The
rotors on units 1, 2, and 3 are 35 feet
in diameter and weigh 517.5 tons.
During generator operation, the
outside edge of the rotor travels at a
speed of about 113 miles per hour. Generator No. 1 went into hydroelectric power production Saturday, January 21, 1956 when Governor Norman Brunsdale pushed the starting button. Generator No. 2 went into production in February and No. 3 later that year. At that time, generators No. 4 and No. 5 were not complete, but room was left in the powerhouse for their construction.
On an average year the generating units have a combined annual output of 2,600,000 megawatt hours of electricity. Electrical power is transmitted from the project through seven transmission lines to various substations and is marketed by Western Area Power Administration at the Watertown Dispatch Center in South Dakota.
The five pair of cylindrical surge tanks act as a shock absorber for water flowing
Photographed By Connor Olson, July 25, 2021
2. Powerhouse Marker can be seen to the left
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is January 21, 1956.
Location. 47° 30.273′ N, 101° 26.059′ W. Marker is near Pick City, North Dakota, in Mercer County. Marker is on North Dakota Route 200 east of Park Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hazen ND 58545, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Garrison Dam (here, next to this marker); Intake Structure (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hidatsa Village (approx. 10.1 miles away); River-Centered (approx. 11.6 miles away); Awatixa Village (approx. 11.7 miles away); Cutbank Archeaology (sic) (approx. 11.7 miles away); Wildlife Area Evolves From Coal Mine (approx. 11.7 miles away); Custer Coal Mine (approx. 11.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pick City.
Photographed By Connor Olson, July 25, 2021
3. Powerhouse Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 26, 2021, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
