Science & Tech
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Over 600 men worked around the clock using hand tools, horses, and coal powered shovels to build the original dam in 1913. From 1914 until 1966, the dam produced electricity using the energy of falling water. The water fell 19 feet to turn five turbines. In 1966, production of electricity was halted due to problems with ice and the expense of producing relatively small amounts of power. In 1978, Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park was opened for hiking, biking, fishing, and other public activities. From 1995 to 1997, the current dam was constructed using the original underwater structure. The creation of the dam changed the river forever.
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Coon Rapids, Minnesota · United States
