American Falls in Power County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

American Falls Power Plants

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2018

1. American Falls Power Plants Marker

Inscription.
More than two decades before American Falls Dam was built, water power was generated in a series of plants at America Falls.

Starting with an island plant to serve Pocatello in 1902, this superlative site was utilized soon after long transmission lines were developed. As new kinds of turbines and generators were invented, they were installed here. Rare examples of old technology still are preserved in these landmark plants.

Erected by Idaho Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 383.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 42° 46.728′ N, 112° 52.968′ W. Marker was in American Falls, Idaho, in Power County. It could be reached from the intersection of Aberdeen Highway (Highway 39 at milepost 3) and Lamb Weston Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 2950 Lamb Weston Rd, American Falls ID 83211, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in Idaho’s Bear River Country. It was also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8

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other markers are within 9 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Oregon Trail (approx. half a mile away); A Town on the Move... (approx. 1.4 miles away); American Falls (approx. 1.7 miles away); Power County War Memorial (approx. 1.7 miles away); a different marker also named Oregon Trail (approx. 1.7 miles away); a different marker also named Oregon Trail (approx. 7 miles away); Snake River Rest Area Oregon Trail Kiosk (approx. 7.1 miles away); Massacre Rocks - A Clashing of Cultures (approx. 8.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in American Falls.

More about this marker. Only the backside of the marker is visible from the highway. To view the marker proceed to the frontage road and the Bureau of Land Management information center.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2018

2. American Falls Power Plants Marker

American Falls Dam image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2018

3. American Falls Dam

Early American Falls Power Plants image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 14, 2018

4. Early American Falls Power Plants

Early American Falls Power Plant image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Vintage Postcard

5. Early American Falls Power Plant

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, July 11, 2025

6. American Falls Power Plants Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 844 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on August 3, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 1, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 6. submitted on August 6, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.