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Full-Text Articles in Arts and Humanities
1949: Year Of Decision On The Columbia River, William L. Lang
1949: Year Of Decision On The Columbia River, William L. Lang
History Faculty Publications and Presentations
Someone new to the Pacific Northwest and seeing the Columbia River for the first time could have no idea what the Great River of the West looked like before the building of the big dams. The Columbia's character and its muscle are generally hidden from view, deep in the old river channel and in the guts of machines that span the river like stair steps, from Bonneville Dam near Portland to Mica Dam at the river's far northern turn in British Columbia.
The Columbia River's Fate In The Twentieth Century, William L. Lang
The Columbia River's Fate In The Twentieth Century, William L. Lang
History Faculty Publications and Presentations
Discusses the history of the Columbia River during the 20th century, emphasizing the image of the river as both a source of industry and an example of wild natural beauty. In 1933 the river was dammed to harness its power for hydroelectricity and control its unpredictable flooding. With the completion of the dams in the 1970's, however, came problems with the edenic vision of the river, especially with the annual salmon run. By the late 20th century, the salmon had all but disappeared, leading to an ongoing conflict between supporters of the dams and conservationists.