First Dam Across the St Joseph River - Power Race

Location: Race & First Streets, Mishawaka. (St. Joseph County, Indiana)

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ID# : 71.1968.1

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The original dam, providing power for which Mishawaka was noted, was completed in 1837. It was 577 feet long, 24 feet thick and cost $38, 000.00.

Along this race, providing water power, and along its counterpart across the river, early Mishawaka factories were located. These industries produced flour, lumber, woolen goods, iron, boots, shoes, furniture, coffins, barrel staves, saddles and harness, and wagons, valued at many hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

Keywords

Business, Industry, and Labor