The Architecture of the Falls of the Ohio
The McAlpine Locks and Dam - 1960, renamed in honor of William McAlpine (only civilian who served as a district engineer for Corps of Louisville.)
The McAlpine locks and dam are a series of locks and a dam. The locks and canals were designed to help the traffic navigate through the Falls.
In 1925 the hydroelectric dam was created while the locks were being expanded from 200ft to 500ft.
The Falls of Ohio are the only falls among the entire length of the Ohio river.
Architecture of the Dam and Locks throughout history
During Lewis and Clark's journey, the Ohio river needed a structure (dam) to control the flow and depth of the river. The falls created dangerous rapids and posed a threat to many people traveling by boat at the time. In 1830 the Portland canal was completed, enlarging over the years. Started in 1868 and completed in 1881, the dam was constructed. The Ohio River Canalization Project helped the river navigation, and more dams were built. Today there are 20 locks and dams throughout the entire Ohio river.
http://www.fallsoftheohio.org/CulturalHistoryFalls.html