Dam (planned site), Nauvoo, Illinois

Planned partial dam on Mississippi River intended to power mills and provide safer harbor for Nauvoo. John C. Bennett proposed constructing dam on river at northwestern end of city, by Feb. 1841. JS suggested petitioning Congress for funds to erect dam or canal, 23 Nov. 1843. On 8 Dec. 1843, Nauvoo City Council granted JS charter to build dam west from southern tip of city charter to islands in river and then northwest along riverbank to island across from Montrose, Iowa Territory. Project site dedicated and construction began, 27 Feb. 1845. Brigham Young suggested halting construction and redirecting labor to Nauvoo temple and other public works, Mar. 1845. Project abandoned, by July 1845.