Lahontan Dam and Power Station
SW of Fallon, Fallon, NVThe Newlands Reclamation Project is of national historical significance because it was one of the first five projects authorized by the Director of the Reclamation Service under the Newlands Reclamation Act of 1902.
The project design was the result of investigations begun by the United States Geological Survey in 1889. When the United States Reclamation Service was organized, shortly after the National Reclamation Act of 1902, the Truckee-Carson Project was among the first five projects selected for construction. The Secretary of the Interior authorized the project on March 14, 1903, and construction began the same year. Project features shown in the accompanying drawings, include outlet works at Lake Tahoe; Derby Diversion Dam (placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978), Lahontan Dam Reservoir and Power plant; Carson River Diversion Dam; 104 miles of main canals; 504 miles of laterals; and 335 miles of open drains. Most of the features are located in ancient Lake Lahontan which was named for Baron La Hontan, an early western explorer.
Lahontan Power plant was finished November 11, 1911. Using the fall from the Truckee Canal to the Carson River, the plant supplied electric power for most of the construction of Lahontan Dam (begun in January 1911). Electric motors powered the main borrowpit shovel, a drag-line excavator, a 925 foot belt conveyor to transport gravel and soil to the main embankment, the sand-cement batching plant, a 1,600 foot cable-way for transporting concrete, and numerous pumps, blowers, drills and conveyors. According to the project manager, D. W. Cole, "probably the first electric shovel was employed on this work and handled the 500,000 cubic yards of gravel at a cost very much below what a steam shovel would have shown at the local prices for coal" (Engineering News, vol. 73, April 22, 1915, p. 760). The electrical machinery proved highly effective and dam construction was completed in June 1915.
The original scope of the Truckee-Carson Project included irrigation of over 400,000 acres. The Omnibus Adjustment Act of 1926 contained a provision that reduced the project scope considerably. In recent years about 70,000 acres have been under irrigation of which 60,000 to 65,000 acres are under irrigation at any one time.
Local significance of the structure:
The project design was the result of investigations begun by the United States Geological Survey in 1889. When the United States Reclamation Service was organized, shortly after the National Reclamation Act of 1902, the Truckee-Carson Project was among the first five projects selected for construction. The Secretary of the Interior authorized the project on March 14, 1903, and construction began the same year. Project features shown in the accompanying drawings, include outlet works at Lake Tahoe; Derby Diversion Dam (placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978), Lahontan Dam Reservoir and Power plant; Carson River Diversion Dam; 104 miles of main canals; 504 miles of laterals; and 335 miles of open drains. Most of the features are located in ancient Lake Lahontan which was named for Baron La Hontan, an early western explorer.
Lahontan Power plant was finished November 11, 1911. Using the fall from the Truckee Canal to the Carson River, the plant supplied electric power for most of the construction of Lahontan Dam (begun in January 1911). Electric motors powered the main borrowpit shovel, a drag-line excavator, a 925 foot belt conveyor to transport gravel and soil to the main embankment, the sand-cement batching plant, a 1,600 foot cable-way for transporting concrete, and numerous pumps, blowers, drills and conveyors. According to the project manager, D. W. Cole, "probably the first electric shovel was employed on this work and handled the 500,000 cubic yards of gravel at a cost very much below what a steam shovel would have shown at the local prices for coal" (Engineering News, vol. 73, April 22, 1915, p. 760). The electrical machinery proved highly effective and dam construction was completed in June 1915.
The original scope of the Truckee-Carson Project included irrigation of over 400,000 acres. The Omnibus Adjustment Act of 1926 contained a provision that reduced the project scope considerably. In recent years about 70,000 acres have been under irrigation of which 60,000 to 65,000 acres are under irrigation at any one time.
Conservation; Agriculture; Engineering
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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About Churchill County
Churchill County Timeline
Churchill County, Nevada, located in the western part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The region was initially home to Indigenous peoples, including the Paiute and Shoshone tribes, who lived off the land and utilized the area's natural resources. The first European explorers arrived in the early 1800s, with John C. Frémont documenting the region during his expeditions. However, it was not until the mid-1800s that permanent settlement began.
The discovery of silver and gold in nearby mines, such as the Comstock Lode in Virginia City, sparked a population boom and led to the establishment of several towns in and around Churchill County. In 1861, Churchill County was established, named after Fort Churchill, a nearby military outpost. During this period, the county served as a supply center for the mining camps and experienced rapid growth.
By the late 1800s, agriculture started to play a significant role in the county's economy. The Newlands Reclamation Act in 1902 brought irrigation water to the region, transforming the arid desert into fertile farmland. The Lahontan Valley became known for its extensive alfalfa fields, dairy farms, and other agricultural products. The town of Fallon, the county seat, became the heart of the agricultural community, with a growing population and thriving businesses.
In the 20th century, Churchill County played a crucial role during World War II when the Fallon Naval Air Station was established. The airbase served as a training ground for Navy and Marine aviators preparing for combat and continues to operate today as the Naval Air Station Fallon. Over the years, the county has also diversified its economy to include mining, manufacturing, and tourism, with attractions such as the Carson River and Lake Lahontan State Recreation Area drawing visitors.
Overall, Churchill County's history is marked by the rapid growth and development spurred by mining, the transformation of the arid desert into productive farmland, and the long-lasting presence of the Naval Air Station Fallon, all contributing to the county's unique character and economic success.
The discovery of silver and gold in nearby mines, such as the Comstock Lode in Virginia City, sparked a population boom and led to the establishment of several towns in and around Churchill County. In 1861, Churchill County was established, named after Fort Churchill, a nearby military outpost. During this period, the county served as a supply center for the mining camps and experienced rapid growth.
By the late 1800s, agriculture started to play a significant role in the county's economy. The Newlands Reclamation Act in 1902 brought irrigation water to the region, transforming the arid desert into fertile farmland. The Lahontan Valley became known for its extensive alfalfa fields, dairy farms, and other agricultural products. The town of Fallon, the county seat, became the heart of the agricultural community, with a growing population and thriving businesses.
In the 20th century, Churchill County played a crucial role during World War II when the Fallon Naval Air Station was established. The airbase served as a training ground for Navy and Marine aviators preparing for combat and continues to operate today as the Naval Air Station Fallon. Over the years, the county has also diversified its economy to include mining, manufacturing, and tourism, with attractions such as the Carson River and Lake Lahontan State Recreation Area drawing visitors.
Overall, Churchill County's history is marked by the rapid growth and development spurred by mining, the transformation of the arid desert into productive farmland, and the long-lasting presence of the Naval Air Station Fallon, all contributing to the county's unique character and economic success.
Churchill County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Churchill County, Nevada.
- 1861: Churchill County is established in Nevada Territory.
- 1864: Churchill County becomes part of the newly formed state of Nevada.
- 1870: The county seat is established in the town of Stillwater.
- 1904: The county seat is moved to Fallon.
- 1908: The Southern Pacific Railroad arrives in Fallon, enhancing transportation and trade.
- 1940s: The Fallon Naval Air Station is established during World War II.
- 1950: Construction of the Lahontan Dam begins.
- 1951: Lahontan Dam is completed and the Lahontan Reservoir is formed.
- 1963: The Churchill County Museum is opened to preserve the area's history.
- 1974: Fallon Naval Air Station becomes a major training center for naval aircrews.