Great Falls in Cascade County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

The Falls Undergo a Change

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 16, 2022

1. The Falls Undergo a Change Marker

Captions: (top) There was only one fatality during the construction of the dam., (Four pictures across the middle, L to R) Coffer dam construction; Renstock construction; Count Alessandro Volta; John D. Ryan.

Inscription. Although Lewis and Clark saw the waterfalls as an obstruction, a century later others viewed it as a way to meet the region's energy needs. The natural rapid drop in river elevation provided a ready-made source of water power to spin turbines and generate electricity.
The Great Falls Power Company constructed the Ryan Dam and powerhouse between 1913 and 1915. The 1,336-foot long dam was built from each end and completed in the middle of the river. Temporary railroads were built to haul materials to the dam site. In its time, the dam's construction was unique and cutting edge.
When completed it was called Volta Dam, after Count Alessandro Volta for whom voltage was also named. The dam was renamed in 1940 in memory of John D, Ryan, Montana Power Company's first president.
North Western Energy purchased the Ryan Hydroelectric Development in 2014. It is one of nine hydroelectric developments owned by North Western Energy on the Missouri and Madison Rivers.

Erected by North Western Power.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 47° 34.098′

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N, 111° 7.233′ W. Marker is in Great Falls, Montana, in Cascade County. It can be reached from Ryan Dam Road. The marker is located on Ryan Island, accessed via a suspension bridge. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 160 Ryan Dam Road, Great Falls MT 59404, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically entral Montana in Russell Country. It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Formation of the Gorge and Falls (here, next to this marker); Captain Lewis Arrives at the Great Falls (here, next to this marker); Rocks of the Gorge and Falls (within shouting distance of this marker); It's All Geometry (within shouting distance of this marker); From Water Comes Power (within shouting distance of this marker); Great Falls of the Missouri River (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lewis and Clark Passed Here (approx. 0.2 miles away); Land of Many Uses / Sulphur Springs Hiking Trail / Lewis and Clark Reach the Rapids (approx. 2.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Great Falls.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 16, 2022

2. The Falls Undergo a Change Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 222 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 3, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.