Berlin in Coos County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)
The Power of the Androscoggin
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., July 29, 2025
1. The Power of the Androscoggin Marker
Berlin was built around the power of the Androscoggin River and continues today to be a source of renewable energy in our community. Berlin is home to four hydroelectric dams providing a total of 30 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy. Many historic accounts point to the settlement of Berlin being linked specifically to the Androscoggin River for its potential for energy production as well as the railroads.
The Francis style water turbine used to generate hydroelectric power was developed in the late 1880's and is still in wide use around the world today. The turbine on display came from the Smith Hydroelectric Station located just downstream which produces 18 (MW) of renewable energy. Today, the City produces more clean energy than it consumes.
The Francis turbine is a reaction turbine where water changes pressure as it moves through the turbine, transferring its energy. A watertight casement is needed to contain the water flow. Generally such turbines are suitable for sites such as dams where they are located between the high pressure water source and the low pressure water exit. Francis turbines are the
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• Construction of Burgess Dam near Riverside Mill (1921)
• Sawmill Dam (1965)
• Cascade powerhouse generators
• A Francis Turbine during construction of Berlin power plant (1921)
Erected by the City of Berlin.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.
Location. 44° 28.798′ N, 71° 10.139′ W. Marker is in Berlin, New Hampshire, in Coos County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (New Hampshire Route 16) and Iceland Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Marker and turbine are at the south end of the Androscoggin Riverwalk, adjacent to the Heritage Park Gate A parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1107 Main Street, Berlin NH 03570, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in North America,
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., July 29, 2025
2. The Power of the Androscoggin Marker and Turbine
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Berlin Mills Railway (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Boom Piers (approx. half a mile away); Berlin Public Library (approx. ¾ mile away); Berlin Central Fire Station (approx. ¾ mile away); Sgt Daniel J. Albert (approx. ¾ mile away); Superior Courthouse (approx. 0.8 miles away); New Hampshire Lilacs (approx. one mile away); "The City That Trees Built" (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berlin.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., July 29, 2025
3. Francis Style Turbine on Exhibit with Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 93 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 5, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
