Tennessee Valley, 1936

Tennessee Valley, 1936 Tube. Duration : 36.73 Mins.

President Roosevelt's Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) brings electricity to the masses as it works to build dams and transport coal in horse drawn carriages throughout the Tennessee region. Norris Dam and Muscle Shoals and Wheeler are all featured in this Department of the Interior footage from the National Archives. Tennessee Valley, 1936 Transcript (PDF): www.archives.gov CREATED BYDepartment of the Interior. Division of Motion Pictures. SUMMARY Part 1 shows a dam, generators, power lines and a power house; workers constructing a dam with steam shovels and other machinery; the flooded Tennessee River; and views of horse drawn coal cars, deserted farms, and eroded land. President Roosevelt addresses Congress requesting the creation of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). It shows Wilson dam and powerhouse at Muscle Shoals, Ala., and Norris dam under construction. Part 2 shows views of laborers operating dump trucks, drills, steam shovels, and other equipment to construct Norris dam. Mrs. Roosevelt, Arthur E. Morgan, and David Lilienthal inspect Norris dam site. Includes an aerial view of the town of Norris. Part 3 shows the library, bank, dormitories, homes, and cafeteria for workers in Norris, and views of machine shops and trade schools. Workers watch a track meet. Wheeler dam is shown under construction. Rock is drilled and blasted, power shovels scoop up the rock, and concrete is poured into forms. President Roosevelt arrives in a motorcade, inspects the TVA area, and ...

Tags: World War II, New Deal, Great Depression, TVA, Tennessee Valley, National archives, NARA