Columbus in Platte County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Columbus Powerhouse
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 10, 2021
1. Columbus Powerhouse Marker
The Columbus Powerhouse is one of Nebraska’s largest hydroelectric generating plants and the pulse of the Loup River Public Power District hydroelectric system. The system was financed in 1933 by a $7.3 million New Deal Public Works Administration loan and grant. Built from 1934 to 1937 during the depths of the Great Depression, the Loup Canal project included a diversion structure west of Genoa, 35 miles of canal, and two hydroelectric generating plants, one at Monroe and this one at Columbus.
Water from the intake structure drops more than one hundred feet through three penstocks to the powerhouse, turning three turbines and connected generators. The electric current generated is then distributed through the powerhouse substation transformer and on to the electric grid. Operators are on duty every day around the clock.
Not only did construction of the Loup River Public Power District hydroelectric project create jobs during the Depression, its low-cost and reliable electricity has fueled industrial development in Columbus and the surrounding area. Five public parks located on the District’s property provide recreational opportunities such as fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking.
Erected 2016 by Platte County Historical Society; Loup River Public Power District; and
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.
Location. 41° 27.726′ N, 97° 19.772′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Nebraska, in Platte County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of 3rd Avenue and 47th Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located near the south end of Columbus Powerhouse Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4757 3rd Avenue, Columbus NE 68601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Frank Zybach (approx. 1.8 miles away); Agricultural Park (approx. 2.2 miles away); Discovering the Colorful History of Columbus (approx. 2.7 miles away); Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame (approx. 2.8 miles away); a different marker also named Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame (approx. 2.8 miles away); a different marker also named Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame (approx. 2.8 miles away); a different
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 10, 2021
2. Columbus Powerhouse Marker
Also see . . .
1. Loup River Public Power District. Water from the Loup River is diverted into the District’s man-made canal. The water continues it’s eastwardly flow until it reaches the two 1,100-acre regulating reservoirs north of Columbus known as Lake Babcock and Lake North. After generating power, the water re-enters the canal, known as the Tailrace section and flows south into the Platte River. The Columbus Powerhouse, one of the largest water-powered generating plants in Nebraska, has three turbo-generators with a total rating of 45,600 kilowatts. (Submitted on September 18, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. The Columbus Powerhouse. (professional news video presentation about the Loup River Power District and the Columbus Powerhouse) (Submitted on September 18, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 10, 2021
3. Columbus-Genoa Project WPA Marker
Columbus Power House
Federal Emergency Administration
of Public Works
Docket No. 665-P
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 10, 2021
4. Columbus Powerhouse (south elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 308 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 18, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
