Maine Township near Underwood in Otter Tail County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Water Power

October 24, 2024

1. Water Power Marker

Inscription. When Phelps Mill first opened in December 1889, it was powered by one water turbine. The turbine is in contrast to a water wheel which is a tall vertical wheel mounted on the outside of a mill. A second turbine was added in 1895 when an addition was put on the mill. They are located behind the mill in the river. A similar turbine was recovered from the ruins of the Parkdale Mill site twenty miles south of Phelps along the Pomme deTerre River. Water flows into the adjustable openings on the sides, hits a rotor inside which turns the large shaft on top and exits underneath into the river bottom. The power generated by this turbine was equal to about thirteen horsepower.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1889.

Location. 46° 22.816′ N, 95° 49.267′ W. Marker is near Underwood, Minnesota, in Otter Tail County. It is in Maine Township. It can be reached from County Highway 45 half a mile west of 288th Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 29029 Co Hwy 45, Underwood MN 56586, United

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

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

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Saving History (here, next to this marker); Phelps Mill (a few steps from this marker); Phelps Mill National Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); The Story of Phelps Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); William O. Douglas (within shouting distance of this marker); Barnhard School (approx. 2.1 miles away); Maine (approx. 2.2 miles away); Friberg Swedish Baptist Church (approx. 5½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Underwood.

Water Power Marker and Parkdale Mill Turbine image. Click for full size.

October 24, 2024

2. Water Power Marker and Parkdale Mill Turbine

October 24, 2024

3. Phelps Mill

Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2024. This page has been viewed 130 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 16, 2024.