Skip to main content

Elecctricity

Idols Station, Fries Manufacturing & Power Company
Society: ASME Main Category: Electric, Mechanical Sub Category: Water Era: 1890-1899 DateCreated: 1898 Duke Power Company- Winston-Salem State: NC Zip: 27012 Country: USA Website: http://www.asme.org/about-asme/history/landmarks/topics-a-l/electric-power-production-water/-99-idols-station,-fries-manufacturing---power-com Creator: Fries Manufacturing and Power Company

This run-of-the-river plant is a typical example of late nineteenth-century small-scale (750 kilowatt) low-head hydroelectric power technology. The Fries Manufacturing and Power Company began operating the Idol's Station on April 18, 1898, making it the first commercial hydroelectric plant in North Carolina involving long-distance power transmission, fourteen-miles distance at 10,000 volts. Idol's was an important power source for transportation, lighting, and industry in the Winston-Salem area.

YearAdded:
1984
Image Credit: Courtesy ASME Image Caption: Idols Station, Fries Manufacturing & Power Company Era_date_from: 1898
Subscribe to Elecctricity
Idols Station, Fries Manufacturing & Power Company

This run-of-the-river plant is a typical example of late nineteenth-century small-scale (750 kilowatt) low-head hydroelectric power technology. The Fries Manufacturing and Power Company began operating the Idol's Station on April 18, 1898, making it the first commercial hydroelectric plant in…

Read More

We hope you enjoyed this essay.

Please support this 70-year tradition of trusted historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it with a donation to American Heritage.

Donate

Stay informed - subscribe to our newsletter.
The subscriber's email address.