Until 1925, the city was located adjacent to a series of cascading falls. In 1927, the new American Falls Dam was completed by the Bureau of Reclamation, creating the largest of what would be six major water storage facilities along the Snake River.
The city had to be moved up the hill to escape the rising waters of the new reservoir. Late each summer, following significant water withdrawal for irrigation, the foundations of the “old town” are clearly visible.
Click images to enlarge.