WRM 2000 Issue identification

Historical issues

The historical value of a dam is an important consideration for the local community. These checklist questions are designed to help the community gain an understanding of the historical value of the site, with or without a dam. The questions are followed by a list of potential sources to help find answers to the questions.

Historical facts

Checklist questions

When was the dam built?
What was the dam's original use? How is the dam used now?
What is the history of repairs and maintenance to the dam?
What is the history of land use in the area?
What is the history of the river before the dam was installed?
What historical events happened at or around the site?
Are historical community events hosted at the site (for example, fairs and reenactments)?
Can any old structures, roads, or paths be renovated to revitalize the riverfront area, especially if near a "downtown" area or an area with tourism potential as part of the dam repair/removal process?

Toolbox

Identify and consult people and other resources in your community who might have more information about the historical context of the dam; these may include, but are not limited to the following:

local residents (elderly) and historians (interviews)
local historical societies
local library and publications
local foundations
local corporations
local Chamber of Commerce
Society for the Preservation of Old Mills (SPOOM): http://www.spoom.org
National Center for Small Communities: http://natat.org/ncsc/
Wisconsin Towns Association: http://www.wisctowns.com
University of Wisconsin Urban and Regional Planning or Landscape Architecture Departments
County land conservation department for land-use history
Native American tribes
biologists who have records of fish and wildlife records predating the dam

Historic preservation options

Checklist questions

Does your community qualify to become a Historic District?
If the dam were removed, could the historical and cultural values of the dam be represented (for example, through interpretive displays or plaques)?
Is the dam's historical significance primarily through association with an adjoining building or structure (for example, a millhouse) vs. the pond?
What is the historical significance of the rapids or waterfall where the dam now sits (for example, local landmarks, log drive history, or tribal significance)?
What is the historical significance of fish runs to the community before the dam was built (for example, tribal use or local catches)?

Toolbox

Consult the State Historical Society of Wisconsin (http://www.shsw.wisc.edu) for information about Historic District qualification and installation of interpretive displays and plaques.

Next section: Aesthetic issues

URL: http://www.ies.wisc.edu/research/wrm00/issuehist.htm