Jones Falls Inverted Keystone Arch Dam - Elgin, Ontario
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model12
N 44° 32.904 W 076° 14.267
18T E 401680 N 4933530
Jones Falls Dam is a dam on the Rideau Canal located in Rideau Lakes, Ontario, Canada, that was built in 1831 and completed in 1832 to tame the mile-long series of rapids and falls that runs through the Jones' Falls.
Waymark Code: WMBHXX
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date Posted: 05/24/2011
Views: 13
The dam was built by John Redpath and Thomas McKay. When completed in 1832, the Jones Falls dam was the largest dam in North America, a big accomplishment in engineering. In order to keep the water in control during construction, two sluices, artificial channels for conducting water, were kept open in the dam. The first was near the base of the dam on its east side. A second sluice was put in on the west side of the dam, about 20 feet (6 metres) above the base. To make the switch from the lower to upper sluice, the outlet of Sand Lake was blocked off.
At Jones Falls, boats rise and fall almost 60 feet via a set of four canal locks, and a dam, nicknamed the Whispering Dam, which holds back the 60 feet of water. The dam is approximately 360 feet long, 60 feet (18 m) high and 27 feet (8 m) thick at the base. It was built with large sandstone blocks that were hauled by oxen and horse-teams to and shaped on site. No mortar or cement was used in this dam. The blocks were set in a giant arch, with the pressure of the water behind the dam pushing the perfectly-dressed blocks together, like an arch used in building structures.
Waterway where the dam is located: Rideau River
Main use of the Water Dam: Improve Navigation
Material used in the structure: embankment
Height of Dam: 60 ft
Date built: 01/01/1831
Fishing Allowed: yes
Motor Sports Allowed: yes
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Visit Instructions:
Photo of the Dam and a description of your visit.