"Although I can see the reasoning behind this placement, this marker might be better placed at two other locations. One being right inside the actual park immediately next to the dam. This would give us a better view of the not only the dam, but the reservoir behind it. The other location could be a few miles up at the main boat launch and ranger station beneath a nice canopy of trees for shade. Out here, shade is a valuable commodity. And ... I could use some right about now. Either way. #215 conquered." -- September 2007

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Lahontan Dam Parking Area, 17 miles west of Fallon Churchill   39.465050, -119.068950

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Original Date Visited: 9/16/07
Signed: Both lanes of US 50

Notes: From US 50, use the paved road signed for "Dam." This will be approximately 9.6 miles west of the junction with ALT US 95. Unfortunately, Nevada State Parks has yet to step up to sign this very important icon. From here, you'll find a day-use parking area with boat ramps and several service roads to the reservoir.

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Street View

Here's what you'll see!

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The construction of Lahontan Dam for the Newlands Reclamation Project, circa 1902. Marker 215 and Lahontan Reservoir   Lahontan Dam, circa 1905 The Newlands Project has been a lifesaving concept for the desert

Exact Description:
Lahontan Dam, completed in 1915, is the key feature of the Newlands Irrigation Project which has turned Lahontan Valley into one of Nevada's most productive farming and ranching areas. With the completion of the dam's powerhouse, the electrical energy needs of Churchill County and the surrounding area were met.

The project was one of the first authorized under the Federal Reclamation Act of 1902 and the 1903 construction contract for Derby Dam and the Truckee Canal was the first entered into by the U.S. Reclamation Service, later the Bureau of Reclamation.

This undertaking, originally named the Truckee-Carson Project, was renamed the Newlands Project in 1919, in honor of U.S. Senator Francis G. Newlands of Nevada, an ardent supporter of federal reclamation projects and legislation which made them possible. Operations were transferred to the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District in 1926.

Visiting Lahontan State Recreation Area

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 COVERED IN MY US 50 ROAD TRIP

Next Marker

STILLWATER

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Related Links & Markers:

 - 43 - Derby Diversion Dam   - 63 - Truckee River - East   Lahontan State Recreation Area (Nevada State Parks)    Newlands Reclamation Act (Water History) 

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