The Whole Dam Story

the drowning and rising of a river city in the West

Plot

The primary focus of the book is the happenings during the past two hundred years at the water fall on the Snake River, the American Falls. This includes the European influence on the natural Western wilderness by explorers, fur trappers, gold miners, pioneers, cattle barons, sheep men, farmers, engineers and politicians. Southern Idaho's story is about mountains, rivers, the Snake River Plain and the harsh reality of drought in the desert. The natives had learned it was essential to preserve the fragile environment for their own survival. The newcomers lacked this awareness. Speculators and promoters found no value in the sagebrush forest. However, the soil was exceptionally fertile; all it needed was water. Water represented economic potential and that possibility encouraged entrepreneurs to descend with irrigation schemes. Few succeeded. Settlers found themselves caught in a web of broken promises, promoters, speculators, and failed banks. Probably the most publicized town in the nation in the twenties is American Falls! This is the story of hydroelectricity, railroad, a city, a dam and includes greed, power, intrigue, determination and commitment. It is a story our nation should know and not forget.