Childs-Irving Hydroelectric Facilities, Hydroelectric facility in Verde River Valley, Arizona, United States
Childs-Irving Hydroelectric Facilities are two power plants built along Fossil Creek in the Verde River Valley, Arizona. The complex includes concrete aqueducts, diversion dams, and two separate generating stations connected into a single water-powered system.
Construction of the first plant began around 1908, when all equipment and supplies had to be carried in by mule across rough desert terrain. A second plant was added later to increase output, and together they powered towns and mining operations across the region for decades.
The site was built by a workforce that included men from many different backgrounds, which was notable for Arizona at the time. Walking among the remaining concrete structures today gives a tangible sense of the physical effort that went into shaping this remote canyon.
The area around the facilities is dry and exposed, so bring plenty of water and cover up against the sun before setting out. Some parts of the site require walking on uneven ground, and it helps to go early in the day when temperatures are lower.
A small reservoir was placed between the two generating stations specifically to store water during planned shutdowns, allowing operations to continue for several days without interruption. This buffer design was an early example of careful engineering on a remote site where outside help was slow to arrive.
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