High Noon Talk: Austin Dam Disaster of 1900

Program Details

Held on the first Wednesday of every month, High Noon Talks highlight interesting and often untold topics through this casual lunch-time lecture.

In 1891 the city of Austin began an ambitious dam project that citizens dreamed would usher in a new era of progress and prosperity. When completed the Austin Dam was one of the largest in the world, it provided hydroelectric power and recreation on the newly formed Lake McDonald. Join author Liz Clare for a talk on her book the Austin Dam Disaster of 1900 to find out what happened on the fateful day when the city's dream became a nightmare. Clare explores the politics, engineering, geology and sheer grit involved in the creation of the dam and the city's recovery after it's catastrophic failure. 

The Bullock Museum is owned and operated by the State of Texas through the State Preservation Board. Additional support of exhibitions and programs is provided by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.