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Visitors Guide to
Located just north of
the river town of Clarksville at Mississippi mile marker 273.4 this was
the first dam on the upper Mississippi River that was without roller gates
being built exclusively using the highest level of tainter gate technology
available. The curved tainter gates can be pivoted at a number of angles
to block some or all of the flow of water. The
main lock is 100 feet wide and 600 feet long with an average rise of 15
feet. Normal pool elevation behind the dam is 449 feet. The movable
portion of the dam is 1,340 feet long and consists of 15 80-foot long
tainter gates. A 2,720 feet submersible earthen dike extends from the
movable dam to the Illinois shore. Listed on the National Register of
Historic Places construction of the lock and dam began in July 1936 and
became operational in March 1940. Lock and Dam #24 is what makes Clarksville famous among Bald Eagle fans. The lock and dam creates an open ice-free area of water and the churning water stuns the fish making them easy prey for the eagles. Lock and Dam has facilities that are open to the public including an observation platform and picnic tables. A public boat ramp is located just downstream.
Regional Locks and Dams - Get more information on the Locks and Dams in the Middle Mississippi River Valley from Lock and Dam #21 north of Hannibal to Lock #27 and the Chain of Rocks Dam in Granite City, Illinois.
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