The largest North American River flowing into the Pacific Ocean, The Columbia River, source waters are in the Canadian Rockies. Along its path, Columbia will join or pass through the Grand Coulee Dam (the largest concrete structure of its time), The Snake River, The Bonneville Dam, and Portland. The dams along The Columbia River are used to build reservoirs for irrigation, creating hydroelectric power and controlling water flow. The Columbia River is also used as a major transportation route for agricultural goods and was the number one source for American salmon fishing during the 1940s.
Included Films:
The Mighty Columbia River
The Mighty Columbia River
Produced: 1947
Length: 10 Minutes
The largest North American river to flow in the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River, is not only a strong river and a source of water but a bed of commerce and hydroelectric power. With origins in the Canadian Rockies, the river runs through the famous Grand Coulee dam and on through Washington State creating a natural channel for boats to transfer goods to cities like Portland, Oregon. The Mighty Columbia River is an educational look at how a far reaching river and dam system serves the American population during the 1940s. Today the use of dams is being called into question for its impact on the animal population, but in past times, they were considered a blessing and a simple way to power thousands of homes. Take a trip down the mighty Columbia today!
Rivers of the Pacific Slope
Rivers of the Pacific Slope
Produced: 1947
Length: 11 Minutes
Rivers are important not only for the water they provide but because of the goods they can carry, the farming and fishing it can support, and the use of electricity to power homes and cities. “Rivers of the Pacific Slope,” like its title suggests, discusses the importance of these things on the rivers of the western part of the United States, particularly the Columbia, San Joaquin, Sacramento, and Colorado Rivers. Shots of the rivers and cargos being transported add to the vitality of this message and provide proof that a city is run by its water source.
Hanford Science Forum
Hanford Science Forum
Produced: 1957
Length: 10 Minutes
Radiation isn’t harmful! Or so claims “Hanford Science Forum.” A television hosts talks to a man who studies the aquatic life in the Columbia River, where a nuclear plant is stationed, and we learn that radiation isn’t that bad really, and doesn’t affect the life in the river at all. The quirky message is made ironic by the sponsorship of the Atomic Energy Commission. Though strange in the light of today’s research, it provides insight into the science of aquatic biology and the misunderstandings of the 1950s with regards to atomic radiation.
