Theodore Roosevelt Dam, Hydroelectric dam on Salt River in Gila County and Maricopa County, United States.
Theodore Roosevelt Dam is a concrete structure spanning the Salt River that creates a large water reservoir serving multiple functions. The construction manages power generation, water supply, and flood protection for central Arizona.
Construction took place between 1905 and 1911 as one of the first major federal projects under the 1902 Newlands Reclamation Act. The project demonstrated that the federal government could support large-scale infrastructure in western states.
The dam shows how early irrigation projects transformed land use across Arizona's desert and enabled farming communities to establish themselves. Visitors can observe how this structure shaped the relationship between people and water in this arid region.
Visitors can explore the dam from designated areas that offer viewpoints and information displays about its operation. The best time to visit is during cooler months, as desert temperatures become very high in summer.
The structure underwent major renovation from 1989 to 1996, with its height increased by 24 meters. This modernization significantly expanded storage capacity and showed how older infrastructure can be adapted for current needs.
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