Meeker Island Lock and Dam facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Lock and Dam No. 2
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
The Meeker Island Lock and Dam c. 1910
Location	Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota
Built	1899–1907
Architect	U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
NRHP reference No.	03000522
Added to NRHP	June 13, 2003

The Meeker Island Lock and Dam was the very first lock and dam built on the Upper Mississippi River. It was also known as Lock and Dam No. 2. A lock is like a water elevator that helps boats move between different water levels. A dam is a barrier that holds back water, often to control its flow or create power.

This important site was named after Judge Bradley B. Meeker, who owned the island. Meeker County was also named after him. Even though it took eight years to build, the Meeker Island Lock and Dam was only used for five years, from 1907 to 1912.

What Was the Meeker Island Lock and Dam?

The Meeker Island Lock and Dam was a big project for its time. It was designed to help boats travel more easily on the Mississippi River. Before dams, parts of the river could be too shallow or have strong currents. Locks and dams make the river safer and more predictable for ships.

Building the First Dam

Construction of the Meeker Island Lock and Dam started in 1899. It was a huge effort that lasted until 1907. The United States Army Corps of Engineers designed and built this facility. They are a group that works on many important water projects across the country.

A Short-Lived Project

After all that work, the dam only operated for a short time. People soon became very interested in using water to make electricity. This is called hydroelectric power. Engineers realized a new, bigger dam could do a better job. This new dam, called Lock and Dam No. 1, was built a few miles downstream.

Lock and Dam No. 1 opened in 1917. Later, in the 1920s, a power plant was added there. This plant made electricity for the Ford Motor Company's Twin Cities Assembly Plant. Because the new dam could handle all the river traffic and make power, the Meeker Island dam was taken down.

What Remains Today?

Even though the dam was removed, some parts of the old lock still remain. When the river water is low, you can see the tops of the old lock walls. These ruins are located in the Desnoyer Park neighborhood. This area is north of the Lake Street-Marshall Bridge, which connects Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota.

A Historic Landmark

The ruins of the Meeker Island Lock and Dam are very important. In 2003, they were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized as a special part of history. Each year, a historian from the National Park Service and the Friends of the Mississippi River lead tours of the ruins. This helps people learn about the river's past.

A Park for Everyone

In 2005, a project began to turn the area near the dam into a public park. This project cost $380,000 and was finished in 2007. Today, the historic dam site is part of the Mississippi River Gorge Regional Park. It even includes an off-leash dog park, so families and their pets can enjoy the area.

Images for kids

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  The remains as viewed from above in 2020