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Garrison Dam Photograph Collection

 Collection
Identifier: Photo 416

Scope and Content

The Garrison Dam Photograph Collection is an artificial collection created by archives staff to house general photographs of Garrison Dam with little or no provenance. Currently the collection is separated into two folders. The first folder contains general postcards, both color and black and white. The second folder contains construction scenes. Identification on the back shows most were taken by Merle E. Nott with the NDAC Public Relations, as well as W.P. Sebens with the Greater North Dakota Association. There is also one photograph of the Garrison Diversion Unit, McClusky Canal groundbreaking, May 16, 1970.

Dates

  • 1946-1990s

Access

The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the NDSU Archives.

Copyrights

Copyrights to this collection remain with the creator.

History

In 1944 U.S. Congress authorized the Garrison Dam and Reservoir project. Through the Flood Control Act of 1944, this project was one of a system of multiple-purpose reservoirs on the Missouri River, extending from Montana to South Dakota. Its purpose was also to develop the water resources of the Missouri River Basin. The job of harnessing the Missouri River and its tributaries was assigned jointly to the Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation under the comprehensive Pick-Sloan Plan.



Other federal and state agencies such as the Federal Power Commission, Department of Agriculture, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Public Health Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Public Roads Administration were involved in coordinating the project.



On October 4, 1946 the first shovel of dirt was turned on the excavation for the future Garrison Dam. This was preceded by approximately one year of preparatory work, during which some temporary housing, connecting highways and railroad and bridge construction were done.



The Garrison Dam was completed in 1954, the world’s largest roll-filled earthen dam. In 1953 the dam was closed at ceremonies featuring President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Extent

10 Photographic Prints (9 photographic prints)

11 Postcards

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

In 1944 U.S. Congress authorized the Garrison Dam and Reservoir project. Through the Flood Control Act of 1944, this project was one of a system of multiple-purpose reservoirs on the Missouri River, extending from Montana to South Dakota.

Provenance

Multiple donors.

Property rights

The NDSU Archives owns the property rights to this collection.
Title
Finding Aid to the Garrison Dam Photograph Collection
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Institute for Regional Studies Repository

Contact:
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States