When did the construction of dams peak in the United States?

The construction of dams in the United States peaked before the 1960s primarily due to various social, economic, and political factors at that time. This era was characterized by significant federal investment in large infrastructure projects, driven largely by the need for flood control, irrigation, water supply, and hydropower generation. The New Deal programs of the 1930s and various post-World War II initiatives resulted in a surge of dam construction aimed at modernizing water management systems.

During this peak time, there was a strong public and governmental drive to harness water resources to address challenges such as droughts and rural development. In contrast, the following decades saw a shift in focus towards environmental concerns and the recognition of ecological impacts related to dam construction. This shift contributed to a decline in the construction of new dams after the 1960s, as regulatory measures and changing social priorities began to influence water management practices.

Understanding this historical context helps elucidate why the peak of dam construction occurred before the 1960s rather than during or after that era.