|
|
ORONOCO DAMS
|
![Third wooden dam on the Zumbro River at Oronoco built in 1867 and lasted until 1924. Allis Flour Mill photo about 1900. [Click here to view full size picture]](media/history/tn_old_oronoco_dam.jpg)
In 1855, the first dam was built and a saw mill was erected that year. A grist mill was then built in 1856 with a sash and door factory, planing mill and a chair factory in the following years.
The Oronoco Gold Rush of 1858 brought many people and businesses to Oronoco when Gold was discovered in the Zumbro below the dam.
In 1859, a great flood destroyed the mills and factories and the mining equipment as well.
|
1937 Concrete Dam
October 1977
|
1937 Concrete Dam
|
Top
|
|
In 1937, the WPA constructed a concrete dam. The dam is owned by Olmsted County. Lake Shady became a recreational lake home to year round homes and cottages. Fishing and swimming brought many visitors to Oronoco.
|
![Undated Photo of Old Oronoco Dam [Click here to view full size picture]](media/history/tn_old_oronoco_dam_later.jpg)
|
October 1977
|
Top
|
|
In the fall of 1977, Lake Shady was drained and a new dam was built. Because of soil washing down river, Lake Shady is filling in.
|
![Oronoco Dam During The Spring Thaw [Click here to view full size picture]](media/history/tn_dam_during_spring_thaw.jpg)
|
|
![Third wooden dam on the Zumbro River at Oronoco built in 1867 and lasted until 1924. Allis Flour Mill photo about 1900. [Click here to view full size picture]](javascript:showPic(new picObj('media/history/old_oronoco_dam.jpg', 'Third wooden dam on the Zumbro River at Oronoco built in 1867 and lasted until 1924. Allis Flour Mill photo about 1900.',772,600));)
![Undated Photo of Old Oronoco Dam [Click here to view full size picture]](javascript:showPic(new picObj('media/history/old_oronoco_dam_later.jpg', 'Undated Photo of Old Oronoco Dam',800,540));)
![Oronoco Dam During The Spring Thaw [Click here to view full size picture]](javascript:showPic(new picObj('media/history/dam_during_spring_thaw.jpg', 'Oronoco Dam During The Spring Thaw',800,533));)