Cushman Dam, Hydroelectric dam in Mason County, United States
Cushman Dam is a concrete arch structure spanning the North Fork of the Skokomish River, standing approximately 84 meters tall. The facility harnesses water flow to generate electricity for the Tacoma Power system and is recognized as a significant early hydroelectric installation.
The project began in the early 1920s when the Tacoma region needed more electricity following World War I. Its completion in 1926 marked a turning point in power supply for the growing city.
President Calvin Coolidge participated in the dam's formal energization ceremony by pressing a button from the White House on March 23, 1926.
Visitors can view the facility and explore the area around the installation from outside. The site is best visited during dry weather, as walkways and viewing areas are more accessible when conditions are clear.
A symbolic event marked the activation, when a prominent official activated the facility from a great distance away. This unusual dedication method underscores the project's importance to the era.
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