The Columbia River's Fate in the Twentieth Century

Authors

William L. Lang, Portland State UniversityFollow

Published In

Montana: The Magazine of Western History

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2000

Subjects

Dams -- Columbia River Watershed -- History -- 20th century, Columbia River, Environmental degradation -- Columbia River Region

Abstract

Discusses the history of the Columbia River during the 20th century, emphasizing the image of the river as both a source of industry and an example of wild natural beauty. In 1933 the river was dammed to harness its power for hydroelectricity and control its unpredictable flooding. With the completion of the dams in the 1970's, however, came problems with the edenic vision of the river, especially with the annual salmon run. By the late 20th century, the salmon had all but disappeared, leading to an ongoing conflict between supporters of the dams and conservationists.

Description

This is the publisher's final PDF. Article appears in Montana: The Magazine of Western History 2000 Montana Historical Society

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/8746

Citation Details

Lang, W. L. (2000). The Columbia River's fate in the twentieth century. Montana: The Magazine Of Western History, 50(1), 44-55.