Wilson Dam

Wilson Dam. . At the beginning of World War I, Chile was the largest supplier of nitrates, a key ingredient in explosive munitions, to the United States. The United States government became concerned that this steady supply might be affected or even cut off entirely by German naval activity. As a proactive solution, Congress passed the National Defense Act of 1916 to authorize federal construction of two domestic nitrate plants plus a hydroelectric dam to supply them with consistent power. In 1917, the federal government decided that the Shoals would host the nitrate plants and the hydroelectric dam. Construction of the nitrate plants began in 1917, but construction of the dam did not begin until February 23, 1918., On Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, the war ended. The nitrate plants fell into disuse, and operations were formally suspended in 1922. Construction on the future Wilson Dam continued until 1921, when funding finally dried up. Opinion on what to do with the dam and nitrate plants remained divided in Congress. Some favored private interests and hoped corporations could take over. Others, including Senator George Norris of Nebraska, successfully advocated for public ownership. In 1922, the government allocated an additional $7.5 million for Wilson Dam, and construction started again. On September 12, 1925, the United States Army Corps of Engineers completed Wilson Dam at a cost of $45 million., Captions: , (Photo #1) An early photograph shows construction on the rear side of Wilson Dam's spillway. (Courtesy of the University of North Alabama, Collier Library Archives and Special Collections) , (Photo #2) This aerial view of the dam reveals the many cranes and other heavy machinery used to complete it. (Courtesy of the University of North Alabama, Collier Library Archives and Special Collections) , (Photo #3) This image is a glimpse of the powerhouse and dam interior. Note the intricate wood framing and scaffolding needed for this phase of construction. (Courtesy of the University of North Alabama, Collier Library Archives and Special Collections) , (Photo #4) Dam laborers work on the apron portion of the structure in this photograph. (Courtesy of the University of North Alabama, Collier Library Archives and Special Collections) , (Photo #5) The completed powerhouse began generating power in September 1925. This photograph captures the powerhouse on December 31, 1925. (Courtesy of the University of North Alabama, Collier Library Archives and Special Collections)