Fifty years to the day after President Gerald Ford stood on its crest to dedicate it as an "engineering marvel," Libby Dam once again took center stage, drawing hundreds of community members to mark its 50th commemoration.
The event, held at the dam's visitor center, was a powerful tribute to a structure that has not only shaped Northwest Montana’s landscape, but has become a cornerstone of the region's identity.
“For 50 years, Libby Dam has been a lifeline—powering homes with clean, reliable hydropower, fueling economic growth and boosting our energy independence,” said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District Commander Col. Kathryn Sanborn. “It’s also a guardian, protecting downstream communities from flooding and providing Lake Koocanusa, a playground for thousands of visitors every year who come to enjoy its stunning beauty and recreational opportunities,” the district engineer continued.
In addition to celebrating a technological feat, the commemoration on Saturday, Aug. 23, was the community’s journey into the dam’s history and its impact on the generations living in its shadow. The day's events, organized by the Army Corps, offered a rare glimpse into the dam's inner workings and a moment to reflect.
“If it weren’t for the construction of Libby Dam, I’m not sure I’d be here today,” said Libby Dam Natural Resource Manager Tana Wilson. “The construction of Libby Dam set my life’s story in motion in a couple of ways.”
Following in the footsteps of her grandfathers who both worked on the dam during its construction, Wilson said, “It’s pretty neat to look back at the dam’s construction, my family’s part in it, and look toward to the future as we commemorate the past.”
One of the day’s highlights was the memorial unveiling, honoring the 12 lives lost during the dam's construction between 1966 and 1972. As the plaque was revealed, their names were read aloud, a moving reminder of the human cost and sacrifice that paved the way for the dam's many benefits. Speaking to the project’s enduring legacy, Sanborn said, “I think it really underscores how much a project like this means to a community."
Attendees walked across the top of the dam; an experience not regularly accessible to the public since 9/11 due to security reasons. From that vantage point, visitors had an unparalleled view of the Kootenai River below and the vast expanse of Lake Koocanusa—the 90-mile-long reservoir that stretches into Canada.
The day was filled with a variety of activities that celebrated Libby Dam’s past and present. A historical talk by Montana historians delved into the construction era, while an open house at the visitor center featured a captivating exhibit of photos and memorabilia from the 1960s and 70s. The authors of "Waters of Wealth" and “Operation BOLD: Libby Dam at Fifty,” books detailing the dam's history, were on hand for book signings, further connecting the community with its rich heritage.
The dam, built as part of the Columbia River Treaty, was designed to address annual spring floods that inundated the Kootenai and Columbia River watersheds. Its construction was a massive undertaking, requiring the town of Rexford to be relocated, and extensive adjustments to highways and railroads.
The $500-million project, which at its peak hired more than 2,000 workers, continues to provide vital flood risk mitigation, generate clean hydroelectric power, and includes Lake Koocanusa, a recreational paradise.
As the sun set on the commemoration, it was clear that the event was more than just a historical marker. It was a testament to the community's resilience, a tribute to the workers who built the dam and a forward-looking acknowledgment of the dam's continued role in safeguarding and sustaining the region for years to come.
“As we remember the past, we also look to the future,” said Libby Dam Operating Project Manager Rick Spiger. “My team and I, along with our partners, are committed to maintaining Libby Dam and ensuring it continues to serve its important purposes for many years to come. We will always adapt to new challenges and embrace new opportunities.”
The commemoration underscored the balance between human innovation and environmental stewardship—a message as relevant today as it was 50 years ago.