Lock and Dam No. 15 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lock and Dam No. 15 |
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Lock and Dam No. 15 on the Mississippi River. View is from the Illinois side of the river looking across to Davenport, Iowa.
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| Location | Rock Island, Illinois / Davenport, Iowa |
| Coordinates | 41°31′07″N 90°34′08″W / 41.51861°N 90.56889°W |
| Construction began | 1931 |
| Opening date | March 7, 1934 |
| Operator(s) |  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Upper Mississippi River |
| Length | 1,203 feet (366.7 m) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Pool 15 |
| Total capacity | 100,000 acre⋅ft (0.12 km3) |
| Catchment area | 88,500 sq mi (229,000 km2) |
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Lock and Dam No. 15 Historic District
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| Location | NW of Rodman Ave., Twd., NW tip Arsenal Island, Rock Island, Illinois |
| Area | 359 acres (145 ha) |
| Built | 1895 |
| Architect | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
| Architectural style | Lock and Dam |
| MPS | Upper Mississippi River 9-Foot Navigation Project MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 04000175 |
| Added to NRHP | March 10, 2004 |
Lock and Dam No. 15 is a very important structure on the Upper Mississippi River. It helps boats travel safely between Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa. This dam is special because it is the largest roller dam in the world! It plays a big role in keeping the river open for ships and barges.
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What is a Lock and Dam?
A lock and dam system helps boats move up and down rivers where the water level changes. Imagine a giant staircase for boats!
- A dam holds back water to create a deeper pool, making the river easier to navigate.
- A lock is like a water elevator. It's a chamber with gates at both ends. Boats enter the chamber, the gates close, and the water level inside is either raised or lowered to match the water level on the other side. This allows boats to continue their journey.
Lock and Dam No. 15: A River Giant
Lock and Dam No. 15 is a huge structure that helps control the flow of the Mississippi River. It was built between 1931 and 1934.
Unique Roller Gates
This dam is famous for its special "roller gates." These are giant cylinders that can be rolled up or down to let water through. Lock and Dam No. 15 has:
- Nine roller gates that are 109 feet (33.2 meters) long. These gates do not go underwater.
- Two other roller gates, also 109 feet (33.2 meters) long, that can let water flow over them.
It's unusual because it uses only roller gates, unlike many other dams on the Mississippi River. Also, its gates are different sizes and types.
Not Straight Across the River
Most dams are built straight across a river. But Lock and Dam No. 15 is built at an angle! This makes it unique among the dams on the Upper Mississippi River.
Two Locks for Boats
Lock and Dam No. 15 has two locks to help boats pass:
- The main lock is 110 feet (33.5 meters) wide and 600 feet (182.9 meters) long. This is big enough for many large barges.
- It also has an auxiliary lock, which is 110 feet (33.5 meters) wide and 360 feet (109.7 meters) long. This extra lock helps when the main one is busy or needs repairs. It's one of the few dams on the Upper Mississippi with a completed auxiliary lock.
A Historic Landmark
In 2004, Lock and Dam No. 15 was recognized as a special place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the "Lock and Dam No. 15 Historic District." This means it's an important part of history, covering about 3,590 acres (1,453 hectares) and including many structures.
Images for kids
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Lock and Dam No. 15 in 1934
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Diagram of Lock and Dam No. 15
