Dams made River Falls what it is.

Feature 1 - The new settlement

Before the Rural Electrification Act, before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, before any of our neighboring towns, River Falls had electricity. We had electricity because those community leaders who went before us saw the potential in hydropower. You might say River Falls was “green” before being green was cool.

Feature 2 - Oliver powell

One of those community leaders who saw the potential in the power of the river was Oliver Powell. Oliver came to the settlement on the Kinnickinnic River in 1849. Oliver arrived with his older brother Nathaniel. Oliver was 18 years old. Although young by today’s standards, the Powells built the first commercial structure, a general store, started a flour mill, and platted land to create a town. The Powells called their development the town of Kinnickinnic.

As more towns people arrived, they began to call the area Greenwood, after notable locals Clark Green and Captain Wood. Another section of the new settlement called the area River Falls. When Kinnickinnic proved too hard to spell, and the post office learned there was already a Greenwood, Wisconsin, the Pierce County Board weighed in on the matter. In 1858 the growing town became formally named River Falls.

Feature 3 - River falls finds it place on the map

The 1850s were growing years for River Falls. Schools, churches and businesses sprang up around Main Street. And there were mills!! Lumber mills, grist mills and flour mills. All providing and growing the town. After the Civil War, cities promoted themselves to add to their population. A place where families could dream of having their own land, school their children, and be part of a community. At times the promotions got underhanded. Leaders from Hudson and Prescott would tell new arrivals that River Falls did not exist. In that way they believed they could capture the settlers for their own growth.

But the marketing of River Falls as being touched by the hand of the Almighty worked. The people came.

Feature 4 - Real growth

By the 1870s the population had grown to over 1,000 residents. By now Oliver Powell was a State Assembly man. As such, Assemblyman Powell was instrumental in bringing the State Normal School to River Falls. Now the University. The city’s flour mills rivaled those of Minneapolis. And train service came to town.

The per capita income of River Falls was second in the State.

In November 1900, River Falls had hydroelectric power, and electric powered street lamps.