Black Eagle Dam, Gravity dam on Missouri River in Cascade County, Montana.
The Black Eagle Dam is a concrete structure on the Missouri River in Cascade County that spans a considerable length and contains multiple turbines for power generation. The reservoir behind it enables water storage and operation of these generators.
Montana Power Company built the current concrete structure in 1927 to replace the original timber-and-rock dam from 1890. The older structure remains submerged beneath the reservoir today.
The dam helped Great Falls earn the nickname 'The Electric City' because it was the first hydroelectric facility in Montana and on the Missouri River. This role made the town an early center for power generation in the region.
The reservoir behind the facility is usable for various activities and provides water access in the area. The site is easy to reach and allows visitors to view the structure from different vantage points.
Meriwether Lewis documented the natural falls at this location in 1805, recording a significant water drop before the artificial structure was built. This connects the modern dam to early exploration of the region through expeditions.
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