Completion of the Buffalo Bill Dam

January 15th, 1910

January 15th, 1910

Completion of the Buffalo Bill Dam
How Long Ago?

115 years, 2 months ago

Location

Cody, Wyoming, United States

Category

Transportation & Infrastructure

People
  • John D. Lee
Links & References
Tags

Completion of the Buffalo Bill Dam

The Buffalo Bill Dam, located in Wyoming, was completed in 1910, reaching a height of 99 meters (325 feet). It was the tallest dam in the world at the time, built to provide irrigation and hydroelectric power for the surrounding regions. Constructed by the Shoshone Irrigation Project under the leadership of the Reclamation Service, it played a crucial role in transforming the economy of the area. The dam also formed the Buffalo Bill Reservoir, enhancing recreation and tourism in the landscape.

Tallest dam globally upon completion in 1910.

Built for irrigation and hydroelectric power access.

Part of the Shoshone Irrigation Project initiative.

Attracts tourism through recreational opportunities.

What Happened?

The Buffalo Bill Dam, situated near Cody in the state of Wyoming, was an engineering marvel upon its completion in 1910. At 99 meters (325 feet), it claimed the title of the tallest dam in the world at that time. This monumental structure was part of the Shoshone Irrigation Project, developed to support agricultural irrigation in the arid plains of northern Wyoming and to generate hydroelectric power. Designed by engineer John D. Lee, who supervised its construction, the dam illustrates the innovative spirit and engineering prowess of the early 20th century. Built primarily from concrete, the dam faced significant challenges due to the unique geological conditions of the region.The construction of the Buffalo Bill Dam significantly impacted the local economy and environment. Prior to its completion, the area was largely unproductive due to insufficient water resources. The introduction of the dam not only allowed for the irrigation of thousands of acres of farmland, but it also fostered the development of the tourist industry, as the resulting Buffalo Bill Reservoir became a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. Furthermore, the dam represented a significant achievement in the early days of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, setting a precedent for future water management projects across the western United States.Years after its completion, the Buffalo Bill Dam remained a vital component of Wyoming’s water management system. The infrastructure it provided helped shape the region’s agricultural and economic landscape, while its scenic beauty continued to attract visitors. The dam serves as a testament to the transformative power of human engineering in the midst of a challenging natural environment, highlighting the advancements in technology during this period of American history. Today, it stands as a critical and historic landmark within the Buffalo Bill State Park.

Why Does it Matter?

The Buffalo Bill Dam represents a pivotal development in civil engineering and water resource management in the early 1900s. Its successful construction demonstrated how innovative approaches to infrastructure could effectively address water scarcity issues in the American West. The transformation of the surrounding landscape through irrigation allowed for agricultural expansion and economic growth, setting a benchmark for future dam projects across the region, thus shaping the trajectory of water management in the United States.

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