Water Power

Water Power. . During the 19^th century the river was the lifeline of Fergus Falls., Before the railroad arrived, the river was a source of transportation as well as power. Flat boats traveled down stream as far north as Winnipeg with flour, wool and lumber processed in Fergus Falls., Flour milling was not the only industry that utilized the river's swift current. A paper company, wagon factory, woolen mill, and a sash and door company all occupied the south bank of the river at different times from 1883-1919. A large dam below the bridge drove turbines that powered these factories., When the City Light Station (located two miles east of Fergus Falls) collapsed on September 24, 1909, bridges and dams downstream were either wrecked or damaged. Wright's dam held, but the water cut a broad channel around the west end. Otter Tail Power purchased the dam and rebuilt it in 1921. Today, the dam continues to generate electricity for Fergus Falls., Captions: , Men assembling flat boats along the shore of the Red River, 1874. Photo courtesy Clay County Historical Society. , Red River Paper Company. , (left) Fergus Falls Woolen Mill, (center) Gas Works, (right) Partridge Wagon Works, circa 1895. , (left) Lyceum Theatre, (center) Fergus Sash and Door Company, (right) Grolimund Fanning Mill. , City Light Station, 1909. , City Light Station, September 24, 1909. , Wright's Dam, September 24, 1909.