Redridge Steel Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Redridge Steel and Log Dams
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Redridge Steel Dam (downstream side)
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | Stanton Township, Houghton County, Michigan, USA |
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| Built | 1894 |
| NRHP reference No. | 92000166 |
| Added to NRHP | April 2, 1992 |
The Redridge Steel Dam is a special dam located in Redridge, Houghton County, Michigan. It was finished in 1901 and crosses the Salmon Trout River. This dam is unique because it's made of steel, which is quite rare for dams. Most dams are built from concrete, masonry (like bricks or stones), or earth.
The Redridge Steel Dam is one of only a few steel dams ever built in the United States. The other two were the Ashfork-Bainbridge Steel Dam in Arizona (built in 1898) and the Hauser Lake Dam in Montana (built in 1907). Sadly, the Hauser Lake Dam broke less than a year after it was built.
Contents
History of the Redridge Dams
Early Timber Dam Construction
Before the steel dam, the Atlantic Mining Company built a timber crib dam in 1894. This wooden dam also crossed the Salmon Trout River. It created a reservoir, which is like a big pool of water.
This water was used for the Atlantic stamp mill. A stamp mill is a factory that crushes ore-bearing rock to get out valuable minerals, in this case, copper.
Why the Steel Dam Was Needed
As the Atlantic stamp mill grew, and another mill for the Baltic Mining Company was built nearby, they needed more water. So, in 1901, the steel dam was constructed. It was designed by J. F. Jackson and built by the Wisconsin Bridge and Iron Company.
The older timber dam was not removed. It stayed in place, underwater, just upstream from the new steel dam. Water was sent from the reservoir to the mills using a system of spillways, sluices (also called 'launders'), and pipes.
Size and Ownership
The Redridge Steel Dam is quite large. It stands 74 feet (23 meters) high at its tallest point. It stretches for 1,006 feet (307 meters) across the river. Both the Atlantic and Baltic mines shared access to the water from the dam. This was because they had the same people on their board of directors.
Later Years and Challenges
The dam worked for many years until the mines eventually closed down. After that, no one kept up with its maintenance. In 1941, a part of the dam called the spillway broke, causing a flood. The steel part of the dam was not badly damaged.
Since the mines were closed, the dam owners opened the spillway valves. However, water still sometimes flowed over the top of the dam. To prevent this, the Copper Range Company, which owned the dam, cut large holes in it in 1979. This lowered the water level in the reservoir and made the older timber dam visible again.
Modern Efforts to Protect the Dam
In 1992, the dam was given to Stanton Township. There were worries that the old timber dam might break. Also, Michigan's Department of Environmental Quality said the dam was a "significant hazard." This meant the township had to think about fixing it.
In 2001, several ideas were suggested for a long-term fix. These ideas ranged from repairing parts of the dam for $311,000 to fully restoring it for over a million dollars. Stanton Township could not afford these costs. So, they looked for a cheaper, short-term solution.
In 2004, the top 13 feet of the wooden dam were removed. This lowered the water level and reduced pressure on the dam, making it safer. A more lasting repair is still needed for the future. A study by students from Michigan Technological University in 2018 suggested that both dams are likely to stay safe for a while.
How Steel Dams Are Built
Steel dams use thin steel plates that touch the water. Behind these plates, there's a strong framework of steel. This framework helps to transfer the weight and force of the water down to the ground.
The steel plates are tilted upwards towards the water flow. This design helps the weight of the water push down on the support beams. This way, the force goes straight down to the ground without bending the steel walls. At the time these dams were built, people thought they could be made faster and cheaper than dams made of stone or concrete.
Location and Importance
Redridge is located in Houghton County, Michigan. This area is known for its rugged landscape. Getting to the dam site can be a bit challenging.
However, students from Michigan Technological University often visit the site. They are especially interested in industrial archaeology, which is the study of old industrial sites and structures.
Historical Recognition
The Redridge Steel and Log Dams have received important historical recognitions:
- It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 2, 1992.
- It was named a Michigan Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1985.
Images for kids
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Redridge Steel Dam (upstream side, showing holes cut)
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The underside of the western end of the steel dam
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(upstream side) from HAER
See also
In Spanish: Presa Redridge para niños
