The Story
Seeking to replace expensive coal-fired steam power at its Lead mine, Homestake self-funded Hydro Plant No. 1 around 1910 with its own capital. A diversion dam up-canyon at Maurice sent water roughly 5 miles through eight tunnels cut through solid rock, dropping about 800 feet to the plant's turbines. It started up April 12, 1912, transmitting power to Lead in an early example of long-distance AC transmission. The City of Spearfish bought the system in 2004 to protect streamflow, and it still generates power today.
Surprising Facts
→ Homestake paid for the whole project with its own capital — no bank financing.
→ Tunnel crews boring 5 miles from both ends met with no significant misalignment.
→ It has generated power continuously since 1912, and the city now offers public tours.