Northwest Dams

Rivers in the Northwest are tamed by dams throughout the region, not only changing the landscape, but altering the way of life. Early settlers depended on dams to irrigate their farms; trying to control nature was the only way to make farming in the Northwest successful. Washington is also home the largest source of hydroelectric power, the Grand Coulee Dam. This mammoth structure is considered a Wonder of the World and has attracted tourists worldwide since its construction. The continued dependence on dams has made Washington and the Northwest a top agricultural producer in the United States and the largest manufacturer of electricity in the nation.