Sloman Dam, Historical hydroelectric dam in María Elena, Chile
The Sloman Dam crosses the Loa River and combines a generator house with water management systems built using early 20th-century engineering techniques. The entire installation shows how engineers of that era converted flowing water into electrical power.
The dam was completed in 1911 and represented a major milestone in Chile's industrial development. It was designated a National Monument in 1980.
The structure shows how Chile developed its water management capabilities, with the machinery house displaying equipment from the early industrial era. It represents an important step in how the country harnessed its rivers for progress.
The site sits south of Quillagua and demands careful exploration because maintenance is minimal and access is limited. The water inside is heavily saline and not suitable for contact.
The generator house windows frame the preserved mechanical parts and building details of the era when lit by morning sun. These moments reveal the careful craftsmanship of the original builders.
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