Whiskeytown in Shasta County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Central Valley Project
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 4, 2009
1. Central Valley Project Marker
Photo caption:
Nearly the entire population of Redding, an estimated 10,000 people gathered to hear President Kennedy speak.
Nearly the entire population of Redding, an estimated 10,000 people gathered to hear President Kennedy speak.
On September 28, 1963, less than two months before his assassination, President John F. Kennedy made his last official visit to California to dedicate Whiskeytown Dam. The dedication completed the Central Valley Project, a 500-mile-long water diversion system, initiating a new era of growth in California. Water from northern California is diverted to the drier Central Valley, allowing some of the world’s most productive agricultural regions to thrive.
During the ceremony, President Kennedy recognized great conservationists of the past and expressed the need to utilize our precious resources wisely for the future. He spoke of his pride in the Central Valley Project and praised the completion of Whiskeytown Dam. Excerpts of the President’s speech can be heard at the John F. Kennedy Memorial located behind you.
Other benefits from the Central Valley Project include hydroelectric power generation, flood protection, and countless recreational opportunities.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #35 John F. Kennedy series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1967.
Location. 40° 36.03′ N, 122°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Kennedy Memorial (here, next to this marker); A Matter of Balance (within shouting distance of this marker); The Glory Hole (within shouting distance of this marker); A Matter of Progress (within shouting distance of this marker); Pioneer Baby's Grave (approx. 1.9 miles away); Shasta (approx. 2.3 miles away); Shasta County Court House (approx. 2.3 miles away); Survivors of the Gold Rush (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Whiskeytown.
2. The Clair A. Hill Whiskeytown Dam
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 4, 2009
3. The Glory Hole at Whiskeytown Dam
4. Kennedy Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on August 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 451 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 16, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on December 15, 2008. 3. submitted on February 16, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4. submitted on December 14, 2008. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide area view of the marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
