Connell Lake Dam in Alaska: A Gothic Relic of Industrial History
Near Ketchikan, Alaska, the weathered Connell Lake Dam blocks fish passage on Ward Creek and stands as a monument to the region's industrial past, having also served as a film set decades ago.
Near Ketchikan, Alaska, within the Tongass National Forest, stands the Connell Lake Dam — a weather-worn, cracked structure often described as gothic in appearance. The dam spans Ward Creek and obstructs fish passage, cutting off miles of habitat. Federal agencies, including NOAA Fisheries, have repeatedly flagged the structure for this reason.
A Role in Film History
In 1954, the dam served as the setting for the climactic scene of the film noir "Cry Vengeance." A gun battle was filmed atop the structure, and a dummy was thrown from it to simulate the villain's death. The film is now available to watch online free of charge.
Industrial Legacy
The dam reflects Alaska's industrial past. It once carried millions of gallons of fresh water through a wooden-stave pipeline, remnants of which can still be seen decaying near the site. Nearby pulp mill operations were part of a wider reckoning covered in a March 1988 Sports Illustrated article, "The Forest Service Follies," which detailed heavy government subsidies and ecological strain tied to the timber industry in Southeast Alaska.
Visiting the Site
Several trails begin at the parking lot near the dam. Visitors can follow the old pipeline corridor down to the former mill site, loop around the lake, or trace Ward Creek back toward Ward Cove.
