At the turn of the century another element was added to the proposed blueprint for the area’s economic success.  Hydroelectric power emerged as a productive use of the nation’s waterways, not only to propel industrial growth but to supplement navigation. In 1898 U.S. Representative Joseph Wheeler introduced the first congressional proposal to build a dam and hydroelectric plant in Muscle Shoals.

For more information about the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) please visit tva.gov.

For more information about Wilson Dam please visit tva.gov/About-TVA/Our-History/Built-for-the-People/A-Dam-for-the-People.