1. dams built across streams or rivers to create water power for operating mills

Examples

• The old milldams along the river provided power for grain mills in the 1800s.
• Several historic milldams can still be seen throughout New England.
• The town removed the abandoned milldams to restore natural water flow.
• Fish ladders were built around the milldams to help salmon migrate upstream.
• Colonial settlers constructed milldams to harness water power for their communities.
• The milldams created small ponds that attracted waterfowl and other wildlife.